HSE Urged To Provide Timeframe For Re-Opening Of Midlands Civil Registrations Office

Monday, 8 January 2024 11:17

It's been closed since last month.

The HSE is being urged to explain when a midlands Civil Registration Office will be re-instated.

The centre in Tullamore shut its doors on Christmas week, and Fine Gael Councillor John Clendennen says it's due to the recruitment freeze.

It means residents in Offaly will have to travel to Longford or Westmeath to file births, deaths and marriage certificates.

Councillor Clendennen says it's a vital service:

The HSE says hiring staff, which would allow a midlands Civil Registration Office to re-open, is a priority.

The centre in Tullamore closed last month, and the Health Service claims every effort has been made to keep the office open.

It says work has been done to fill the positions, but the recruitment pause has limited its ability to do so.

A spokesperson for the HSE is asking anyone who needs to register a birth, death or marriage, to do so at the offices in Mullingar, Portlaoise or Longford.

It's also apologising for the inconvience caused to the people of Offaly.

In a statement to Midlands 103, the HSE says:

"The Civil Registration Office in Tullamore is an important service and every effort has been made to keep the service open. The filling of the Civil Registration staff in Tullamore are among our Primary Care Service priority posts to be recruited in 2024.

We have worked to progress to fill positions but as you may be aware the recent recruitment pause has limited our ability to do so. Current industrial action also challenges our regional ability to fill vacancies during this temporary period.

In the interim, we would like to reassure the public that the Civil Registration service in the Midlands offers alternative access to its services. The public can purchase a certificate by phoning 090 6424601 or 090 6424884. Members of the public can also make an appointment to register a birth, death or marriage in the Mullingar, Portlaoise or Longford office by phoning 090 6424601 or 090 6424884.

We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this temporary closure will cause the people of Offaly and the HSE remains committed to re-open the office early in 2024 as staffing levels allow."