Despite reports to the contrary the ambulance service in North Wexford remains the same as it has been for a number of years and any plans by the HSE to increase cover to 24/7 looks increasingly unlikely.

Management for the ambulance service has told The Echo that a review of the level of services is at an advanced stage and a meeting with trade unions concerning rostering and how an increased level of cover can be achieved within the current fleet and human resources availability is due to take place next Friday.

Emergency night cover is shared three ways between ambulances operating on a rotation basis from the towns of New Ross, Enniscorthy and Gorey.

The people of Gorey have been fighting for the restoration of a full-time 24/7 ambulance service for a number of years with the matter constantly being raised at meetings of the defunct Town Council and the new Municipal District Council.

A petition containing 5,000 signatures calling for a full 24/7 service was collected last summer.

Lead story this week in THE GOREY ECHO.