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.

The paper 'General Practice in Ireland: An analysis of Supply and Demand' was published 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.

The paper 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.

To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Dr Michael Kelleher, Lahinch-based GP and IMO GP Committee Member.