Only one testing centre in Meath

Suspected Covid 19 patients in Meath have to travel to Slane to get tested.

According to Deputy Peadar Tóibín this means that patients from as far away as Oldcastle have to travel up to 50 km to get a test.

"It means that the big populations centres such as Navan and Trim are not directly serviced. This is illogical.

"One of the major objectives during this period is to stop people circulating too much. This should be even more so the objective for people who are suspected to have Covid 19. Yet because of the government plans, people in Meath who are most likely have Covid, are being asked to travel big distances.

"If people drive, that’s one thing but if they don’t they will need a lift or have to take public transport. I have also found out that the Slane centre is to close and another centre will open in Ashbourne. This will make it more inaccessible to the north west of the county. A little common sense is necessary. There should be more than one testing centre or it should be in the middle of the county," he said.