Nationwide ambulance 24-hour strike begins as paramedics demand pay recognition

There was a strong presence on the picket line in Bantry, West Cork this morning. Picture: Andy Gibson.

Trade union SIPTU has denied that lives will be put at risk as some 2,000 ambulance staff have taken strike action on Tuesday, with significant disruption expected.

Pickets will be placed at ambulance bases around the country as part of the action by ambulance crews who are members of SIPTU and Unite, who are engaged in a dispute over pay.