Fianna Fáil's Gary Prior says the incident highlights the need for an ambulance base in Ballinamore.

The HSE operate what they call a dynamic service, whereby if the local crew is on a call, then a crew from a different station will attend.

Sinn Féin's Brendan Barry said regional ambulance crews were under increased pressure to respond within target times.

A small cohort of patients with minor injuries, who meet strict clinical and geographical criteria, will be brought directly to the injury unit

Demand on medical services during the past couple of years is increasing and members the public are being asked to think about attending Minor Injury Units before

A lack of available ambulances in the town could see medics unable to provide life-saving treatment to patients in emergency cases.

The National Ambulance Service has left the west Roscommon ambulance base at Loughglynn behind when it comes to adhering to recommendations by Labour Relations Commission.