The Minister for Health, Mary Harney, has confirmed that Ennis General Hospital will lose its 24-hour Accident and Emergency service in the long term.
Instead a consultant-led A&E service will be available at the hospital with limited hours of operation.
Ms Harney made the announcement as she met with the five mayors of Co Clare.
She said that a report by Teamwork Consultants, due to be
presented to her department at the end of the year, would determine the hours of service.
Minister Harney also said many changes needed in the delivery of the health service were dependent on reaching agreement with medical practitioners.
Following the meeting, the Co Clare delegation welcomed the commitments given by Ms Harney concerning the future provision of consultant-led A&E services in Ennis along with the overall development of health services throughout Co Clare.
