HSE selects East Cork town as site for new National Ambulance Service Training College

It will be an additional expansion to the new Primary Care Centre currently under construction near Pobalscoil na Tríonóide in the town

The HSE said: 'Demand for ambulance services continues to increase, with approximately 450,000 emergency calls responded to in 2025, alongside sustained growth in staffing, funding and operational activity.' File picture: Denis Minihane

Youghal has been approved to develop Ireland’s fourth National Ambulance Service Training College in Ireland.

Local TD James O'Connor said that he had received confirmation that the HSE's board had signed off on Youghal joining Ballinasloe, Tullamore and Offaly in having such a training facility.

The National Ambulance Service college is understood to be located as an additional expansion to the new Primary Care Centre that is currently under construction near Pobalscoil na Tríonóide in the town.

Mr O'Connor said that the project would create jobs in the town.

“This is a major boost to Youghal and will involve a multi-million euro investment into the town. It will create a significant number of jobs and bring over 50 students a year to our locality to study paramedics and all ambulance related training."

The project had suffered a temporary setback when the HSE deemed another site at St Raphael’s too expensive to redevelop, leading to Mr O'Connor calling plans for a temporary base at Haulbowline "a joke". 

A new 60-bedroom community nursing unit is now being assessed on a greenfield site at the St Raphael’s campus.

Mr O'Connor said that the decision was "hard fought for" and involved a series of ministerial meetings prior to the development being included in the HSE’s capital plan.

"I understand this can be delivered within a 9-12 month period following planning approval."

Mr O’Connor said Youghal is "the perfect candidate town due to the proximity between Cork and Waterford".

In a statement, the HSE National Ambulance Service said that it welcomes the decision to proceed with the development of a dedicated ambulance training college for Youghal.

"This decision represents a significant milestone in strengthening the future capacity and capability of the NAS," it said.

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"Demand for ambulance services continues to increase, with approximately 450,000 emergency calls responded to in 2025, alongside sustained growth in staffing, funding and operational activity.

"Currently, there are three permanent NAS colleges, located in Tallaght, Tullamore, and Ballinasloe. The development of a modern, purpose-built training college in Youghal is a critical step in ensuring that the service can continue to recruit, train and retain highly skilled paramedics to meet this growing demand.

"The proposed permanent facility in Youghal represents a strategic investment in the long-term development of prehospital emergency care in Ireland. The college will play a central role in delivering high-quality education and training, supporting workforce expansion, and enhancing patient outcomes across the country."

The NAS said that interest in paramedic training "remains exceptionally strong".

• Paul Hosford is deputy political editor for the Irish Examiner