Crumlin campaigners say HSE promises not being kept

A protest is getting underway outside Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin in Dublin.

The rally is being organised by parents and local residents, as part of a campaign to reverse cutbacks at the hospital.

A theatre and a 25-bed ward have been closed there, as the hospital's management struggles to deal with a budget deficit of almost €10m.

Protestors say the head of the HSE, Professor Brendan Drumm, promised three weeks ago that the theatre would be reopened.

Spokesperson Teresa Shallow said that it is time for all sides to be honest with each other,

“Some restrictions and a total closure of the department are two different things," she said.

“We're on the side of the hospital here, were fighting for them and the patients but we need everybody to be upfront to exactly what is happening here.”