Rural areas facing particular pressure as providers warn of geographical disparity in access
A total of 522 people were waiting for HSE home-support services across Galway and Roscommon at the end of last year, according to new figures highlighted by Home and Community Care Ireland.
The figures show significant geographical differences in access to home support across the country, with some rural areas recording substantially larger waiting lists.
Nationally, around 5,600 people were waiting for home-support services at the end of 2025.
Galway-Roscommon had the third-highest waiting list identified, behind Clare-Limerick, where 748 people were waiting, and Louth-Meath, with 579.
Home and Community Care Ireland has argued that difficulties recruiting and retaining carers, including the absence of mileage payments, are having a particular impact in rural areas.
The HSE said home-support waiting lists are primarily linked to the availability of care staff and acknowledged that these pressures can be particularly evident in rural areas where fewer service-delivery options are available.
It said addressing staffing capacity remains a priority and that home-support provision nationally has increased by almost 25 per cent since 2021.
The number receiving home care increased by three per cent last year to 60,463.
