New GP set to start in Westport in December brings relief to Mayo patients

The news that a new GP is set to start in Westport on December 1, comes after the news broke yesterday that another practice is set to close in the town

By Jack Good Published 30th Sep 2026, 15:17 BST Keira Keogh TD and GP closure Westport. | Mayo News The news that a new GP is set to start in Westport on December 1, comes after the news broke yesterday that another practice is set to close in the town It will be very welcome news in the West Mayo town and comes after The Mayo News yesterday broke the news that Dr Ita Mullaghy’s practice on The Mall in Westport is set to close at the end of November.

A text received by some of the practice’s patients last week created huge uncertainty for people in the town.

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Today, Fine Gael TD for Mayo Keira Keogh has moved to reassure patients in Westport that the HSE recruitment process to replace Dr Ita Mullaghy is already under way, with interviews scheduled for October and the HSE aiming to have a new GP in place from December 1.

Deputy Keogh thanked constituents who contacted her late last week after patients were notified that Dr Mullaghy would cease acting as their GP from November 30, 2026.

“I want to thank the constituents who brought this to my attention immediately. I completely understand the concern this notification caused, particularly for older patients and those who have been with the same GP for many years.

“Since being made aware of the situation, I have been engaging directly with the HSE, the Minister for Health and the GP practice, and I will continue to do so. My focus is on solutions and ensuring continuity of GP care in Westport.”

The HSE has confirmed to Deputy Keogh that the position has been advertised, applications have been received and interviews are scheduled to take place in October.

Read More “A recognition of the excellent work,” Mayo TD says as €107,000 boost for Family Resource Centre Mayo County Council blame department for delay in Bohea Stone transfer 'The true love and affection that Westport has given me is overwhelming' More than 190 Kelly family members gather in Westport for Mayo reunion The HSE stated: “If a candidate is selected for the position following the interview process, it is hoped that they will be in a position to take up duty on December 1, 2026 so as to ensure that continuity of care is maintained for Dr Mullaghy’s Medical Card patients.”

Deputy Keogh said the fact that a number of applicants have already identified potential premises on their application forms is encouraging.

“The immediate priority is getting the recruitment process completed and ensuring the successful candidate is in a position to begin on December 1.

“Premises are obviously an important part of that. I have been in contact with local landlords who may have suitable accommodation available and have passed on their details so these options can be explored with the successful GP.”

Deputy Keogh has also asked that the incoming GP be encouraged to avail of Practice Grant Support , including support towards employing a practice nurse.

“There was no practice nurse in the existing practice. I believe every available support should be explored to allow the incoming GP to establish a sustainable practice and maximise the number of patients who can be cared for locally.”

Deputy Keogh said she was ‘disappointed’ by the manner in which many patients were informed of the change.

“Many patients received a text message advising them of the situation and telling them to collect their medical records using a USB stick.

“For many people, particularly older patients, receiving a message like that without having the wider information about what happens next was understandably alarming.

“That is why it is important that patients now receive clear, factual information about the recruitment process and the work taking place to ensure continuity of care.”

Deputy Keogh also strongly criticised comments made in the Dáil by Aontú TD Paul Lawless, who suggested that the Government should simply “make room” for the existing GP in Westport Primary Care Centre.

“I think it is deeply unhelpful to engage in scaremongering when people are already genuinely worried about access to their GP.

“Suggesting that the Government or HSE can simply put a GP into the Primary Care Centre completely ignores the process that was followed. GPs were invited to apply for accommodation in the centre through that process. That process concluded and the available accommodation in the centre is now fully allocated.

“It is simply not credible to suggest that a room can now be produced at the stroke of a pen.

“More importantly, that political rhetoric offers no solution to the patients who contacted me. The practical solution is to get a replacement GP recruited, ensure that GP has appropriate premises and supports, and have them ready to take over on 1 December. That is exactly what I have been working with the HSE and Minister to achieve.”

Deputy Keogh said the information received from the HSE should provide reassurance to patients concerned about what will happen after 30 November.

“There is a recruitment process under way, interviews are taking place in October, potential premises are already being considered and the HSE’s stated aim is for the successful candidate to commence on 1 December.

“I know that changing GP can itself be unsettling, particularly for patients who have built up a relationship with their doctor over many years. However, the key issue is continuity of care, and everything must now be focused on achieving a seamless transition.

“I will continue working with the Minister, the HSE, the existing practice and local property owners throughout this process and will keep constituents informed as soon as I receive further confirmed information.

“My focus is very clear: ensuring that a new GP is in place to serve Westport from 1 December and that patients experience as seamless a transition as possible.”