Shortage Of GPs Creating 'Medical Deserts' With The Issue Likely To Get Worse

Tuesday, 18 March 2025 14:34

By Martin Osborne

Kildare has just 66 GPs per 100,000 people.

A shortage of GPs in rural areas is creating 'medical deserts' with poor access to healthcare.

That's the finding of a new report which shows Ireland is one of just a few EU countries where the patient load for GPs has increased over the past decade.

Kildare has just 66 GPs per 100,000 people.

Many younger GPs prefer to work in bigger practices and some counties also have a higher percentage of GPs close to retirement.

Editor of 'The Journal Investigates' - Maria Delaney, says GPs now have an average of 100 extra people in their catchment area.

More from Local News

From Alleged Aneurysm To Affair: Maynooth Businessman Accused Of "Faking" Excuses To Stall Legal Case

Wright, from Carton Demesne, in Maynooth, has been accused of using money raised from clients to fund a lavish lifestyle, including private jets, stays at luxury hotels, as well as purchasing a home for his son.
From LA To Newbridge: Driving Licence Rules Cause Frustration For Expats And Returning Irish

Audio

Emily Ditkovski, who relocated from Los Angeles, was caught off guard by the requirement. Now living in Dublin, she commutes to Kildare for her job at Crooked House Theatre Company in Newbridge.
Concerns Over New Housing Development In Newbridge Prompt Councillor To Call Information Event

Questions have also been raised about whether or not it will have green spaces and how traffic and parking will be taken into account.
Thousands Of Households Face Bin Collection Disruption As Bord Na Móna Workers Announce Strike

The strike will impact Bord na Móna Recycling domestic waste collection services in counties Kildare, Carlow, Dublin, Laois, Limerick, Louth, Offaly, Meath, Tipperary, Westmeath, Wexford and Wicklow.
Over 2,600 Motorists Caught Speeding During St Patrick's Bank Holiday Weekend

The Naas Roads policing unit also arrested a driver who tested positive for cocaine.
Changes Needed To Clarify Planning Laws On External Insulation As Tallaght Couple Could Face Jail

Audio

People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy says lack of clarity around the planning rules means they're now facing criminal charges.
Tender Process Begins For New 1000-Pupil Prosperous School Amid Place Shortages

The existing St Farnan's Post Primary School school building will be demolished, paving the way for a new 2-storey school catering to 1000 students
Motorists Paying Quarterly Or Half-Yearly For Motor Tax Face Millions In Extra Charges

Kildare North Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly, who obtained the figures, has called for reform, arguing that drivers who cannot afford an annual lump sum should not be penalised.