Irish language group backs Downe Hospital campaign

Irish language group backs Downe Hospital campaign

25 June 2025

A DOWNPATRICK Irish language group has backed calls for a return of the accident and emergency unit at the Downe Hospital.

Members of Cumann Gaelach Leath Chathail recently presented a petition to the Down Community Health Committee in support of a return of accident and emergency services to the Downe.

Handing the petition to Eamonn McGrady of the Down Community Health Committee, Marcas Mac Ruairí, from Cumann Gaelach Leath Chathail, said: “It is scandalous that key health services such as accident and emergency are no longer available in Downpatrick. 

“In support of the valuable campaigning work by the Downe Community Health Committee, we were delighted to be able to raise a petition among local Irish speakers and those attending our classes in support of the committee’s campaigning work.”

Thanking Cumann Gaelach leath Chathail for the petition, Mr McGrady said: “It is important that we keep consistent pressure on health authorities to review accident and emergency provision in the Downe.

“Depending on A&E services that are as much as an hour’s drive away, and much longer during heavy commuter traffic, puts lives at risk.”

Mr McGrady added: “The A&E services in those other hospitals are severely over-stretched and the additional stress on patients in such settings is counter-productive to recovery.”