Fine Gael Meath TDs Damien English & Shane McEntee have pledged to fight the HSE’s plans to shift surgery from Navan to Drogheda and slammed the county’s four Fianna Fáil TDs for yet again failing the county.

Deputy English said: ‘The news that all trauma cases will drive by Our Lady’s Hospital Navan is a terrible blow to Meath and all its residents. The HSE has clearly deliberately downgraded Navan Hospital to pave the way for this decision. But even more worrying is how Meath’s four Fianna Fáil TDs have sold the county short’.

“Twelve years of under-investment in Navan Hospital by the Fianna Fáil Government has led to the loss of yet another vital service. The HSE blames a lack of resources and is quoting various reports. But this move will pull vital services out of Meath altogether.

“The Lourdes Hospital will not be able to cope with the increased numbers coming from Meath, which means lives will be put at risk.”

Deputy McEntee said: ‘This moves make no sense at all. Navan is located at the heart of Meath and is easily accessible from all parts of the county, but most of the roads to Drogheda are of a poor standard. The main road to Slane is currently closed and the diversion via back roads is barely suitable for ambulances.

“There are four Fianna Fáil TDs in Meath. They have unrivalled access to the people who are supposed to be running this country, yet they have failed to protect Navan Hospital at any stage. None of them stood up for the county and fought to save its services.

“Our Lady’s Hospital Navan provides an excellent service to everyone in Meath. Removing trauma services from the town will be a terrible loss for the county. But it’s Fianna Fáil that should hang its head in shame.”