BreastCheck confirms mobile unit will return to Clare after public concern

The National Screening Service has confirmed that a mobile BreastCheck unit stationed in Ennis will return to County Clare for future screening rounds. According to reports from the Irish Examiner and Gript, the planned departure of the mobile facility on October 30 had caused widespread public concern. Women in the area were advised to book mammograms in neighbouring counties, leading to fears that the service was being pulled permanently. [1][2]

Local concerns arose after residents received appointment letters offering alternative locations. Gript reported that Aontu Clare representative June Dillon was contacted by several women who were directed to book appointments in Galway, Limerick, or Nenagh. The proposed move triggered a public petition, with local women expressing anger over the lack of local access and the added difficulty for those with disabilities or without transport. [1][2]

The Irish Examiner reported that the National Screening Service clarified the situation in response to a query from local Fianna Fail councillor Rita McInerney. The service explained that the Ennis unit is a mobile facility operating on a planned rotating basis. It confirmed that the unit is not being permanently withdrawn and will return to Ennis when the next scheduled round of screening is due. [1]