A new analysis of the supply and demand of GPs has warned of capacity constraints in areas of growing population in Dublin and its commuter towns in Cavan, Meath, Kildare, Louth, Westmeath and Wicklow.
It also says that GP retirements in some areas of Clare, Mayo, Wexford, and other areas, put services at risk where there is no viable replacement of GPs.
The paper - 'General Practice in Ireland: An analysis of Supply and Demand' - was published today and produced by the Government's Economic and Evaluation Service at the Department of Health.
The study identified 3,262 clinically active GPs in service in 2022.
It found that 13% of GPs work at least 48 hours a week.
It said that the workforce of GPs and GP practice nurses provide a reasonable level of coverage nationally, but some geographic areas have clear capacity constraints, often in areas of growing and ageing population.
It noted that inadequate succession planning for retirement may be a risk to the stable supply of GP services in some areas, with single GP practices making up half of the risk group.
It said these capacity constraints can be addressed by 2030, through an increase in GPs numbers that is already under way.
By 2030, almost 4,000 graduates and international recruits are expected to enter the system, when over 1,000 GPs are expected to retire or resign, the paper says.
It also recommends expanding the number and role of GP nurses and midwives.
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said that in places where there are not enough GPs, the Government will work to make sure the number of healthcare workers are placed where they are needed most.
The full review is due to be finished in a few months.
