Despite awful weather conditions, there was a huge turnout this afternoon at the People's Protest in Waterford City.
People of all ages marched through the city in solidarity to send a message to the Government regarding health services in the South East region.
.@247Cathlab march massive crowds out for it, well done #waterford #ourlivesmatter pic.twitter.com/I8WVYccFvA
— Leonard Skelton (@leonard76_) September 24, 2016
A second cath lab at University Hospital Waterford has been the centre of a dispute between Minister John Halligan and the Government. Minister Halligan claims it was promised in the programme for government, but Fine Gael says a report shows that it is not needed.
On the quay and the end of the march still has to cross the bridge #ourlivesmatter https://t.co/gLehknFm1e
— OurLivesMatter (@247Cathlab) September 24, 2016
Today's march was organised by the South East Patient Advocacy Group, to highlight the necessity of the lab.
Hilary O'Neill from the group said earlier: "Our community group is renewing our call for Minister Simon Harris to meet with us and hear our concerns. People's lives are being put at risk in the South East every day between 5.30pm and 8.00am and at weekends."
"How long must we wait before the Minister will address our concerns properly? It’s only a matter of time before a life is lost as services in the South East simply are not adequate and we need that second cath lab without any further political posturing or delay."
Thousands march in the rain in #Waterford because #ourlivesmatter #UHW pic.twitter.com/L3Mt156TJk
— Colin Jephson (@ardkeengrocer) September 24, 2016
#ourlivesmatter pic.twitter.com/EcXG330Slw
— OurLivesMatter (@247Cathlab) September 24, 2016
#walking in solidarity, sending a message to Government #ourlivesmatter #apeoplesprotest #UHW South East #Ireland @247Cathlab pic.twitter.com/dw0qCvhzd9
— Mailo Power (@MailoPower) September 24, 2016
