New speech and language assessments have been temporarily paused in Carrick-on-Shannon because of staffing issues.
That's according to local Fine Gael councillor Maeve Reynolds, who was speaking at a Leitrim County Council meeting yesterday.
She says it's because there's only one speech and language therapist working in Carrick - instead of the usual four.
Councillor Reynolds says the problem needs to be fixed urgently - after the HSE recruitment embargo was lifted recently.
Councillor Reynolds says the issue is having a big impact on children.
In a statement, the HSE said: "The HSE wish to advise that the primary care speech and language therapy department continues to operate below capacity.
"The HSE continue to prioritise referrals based on clinical need.
"In order to provide some support to parents while awaiting appointments the speech and language therapy department will roll out a new drop in advice clinic for families of children waiting for initial assessment from this month.
"Advice clinics will run in Sligo and Carrick-on-Shannon each month for the remainder of 2024.
"Backfill of vacancies will continue within the pay and numbers strategy issued earlier this year.
"At this time work is ongoing in relation to the prioritisation of recruitment in order to respond to the needs of the population.
"The HSE continues to strive to provide a high quality service and apologises for any disruption to service and increased wait times for clients and GPs."
