The National Ambulance Service is not going to bail the charity air ambulance out.

Killarney had to rely on ambulances from outside the catchment area in two out of five emergencies as there is only one based locally, according to information released to Fianna Fáil TD John Brassil.

Ambulance paramedics in Co Clare could be forced to engage in industrial action if the National Ambulance Service does not immediately address the serious issue of staff shortages and ageing vehicles.