A couple in Waterford city have hit out at the council, claiming they carried out extensive roadworks without notifying residents in the Apple Market area.
Billy and Kit Finn had called an ambulance last week seeking help after Billy complained of chest pains.
However when emergency services arrived past midnight, they could not access the area.
Kit says she instead had to lead paramedics through an alternative route to the couple's house. "When they came in and saw the state of Billy, the nurse said to the driver 'What are going to do?' We actually couldn't get in here and the ambulance is parked in on Parnell Street. She said there was no way they'd be able to get him down [to the ambulance]."
Waterford Council has said it issued Map Alerter notifications for the roadworks, but has said it's possible emergency services didn't receive the notice.
A spokesperson added: “Map Alerter issues to agreed contact pints for all emergency services and Gardai so it is possible that wasn’t relayed to all units. Unless residents had subscribed to the Map Alerter system they wouldn’t have received the alerts.”
“The roadworks prevented the emergency services from getting in," Billy said,"There was no diversion signs down there, it's find your own way around.
Local councillor Jason Murphy said it was "extremely important" for emergency services to be properly notified of road closures in future.
"The residents couldn't make provision for being blocked in over the last couple of days and anyone familiar with the Apple Market area will know that once you close off John Street, you're effectively cutting off Spring Garden Alley."
