Delighted Buncrana Mayor Dermot McLaughlin said he is relieved the rapid response unit - which is based in Inishowen - was back on the road from yesterday morning after a review of the service caused concern it would be pulled form the area altogether.

Cllr Mclaughlin told the Journal: “Its been back on since this (Wednesday) morning.

“This is excellent news because the vehicle is equipped to deal with medical emergencies and there is a paramedic on hand.

“I think it is very important to us, at this moment in time.”

He said, although he doesn’t like to hear of people falling ill, he did say he thinks the service should be used if needed.

He said: “Now the schools are back again they are aware of the service that the rapid response vehicle offers and if there is any child that takes ill, whether it is an asthma attack or whatever then they should be make use of the service available.”

He said many people may not be aware that the paramedic is permanently based in Inishowen and is on call for emergencies.

He said people, who may have had a relative fall ill, too often take the matter into their own hands and drive them to Letterkenny fearing an ambulance from Letterkenny is 40 minutes away and not realise their relative can be assessed and treated by a paramedic who is on hand.

He said: “Part of the problem is that many people think it will take too long for an ambulance to come from Letterkenny - we are still lobbying for one to be stationed here all the time.

“But the paramedic and rapid response vehicle is based in Inishowen and it will take no time at all to reach someone.

“There was a case recently when a man fell down the stairs in Buncrana and it took more than 40 minutes for an ambulance to come.

“I think it is important people are aware of the service, it is here so the most should be made of it.

“I would like to see greater use of this service.”