About 500 people protested against cutbacks and ward closures in Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan outside Leinster House today.
The protesters played traditional music, staged a play, made speeches and brought floats and farm animals in an energetic demonstration.
Chairman of the Save Navan Hospital Committee, councillor Peadar Tobín, said the Government needed to put patient safety and the functionality of the hospital at the centre of their plans.
“Over the last number of years, the Government has been shredding the services of Navan hospital," he said.
The Co Meath Dunderry Fair committee supported the protest by bringing a number of acts to Kildare Street, including two large floats, sheep and donkeys.
A number of members performed scenes of the once famous television series The Riordans and inserted references to the hospital and the difficulties a closure would bring.
Workers from Tara Mines arrived in full mining gear and said they wanted to highlight the need for a working hospital near the mines.
“This is a community-based protest. It is a cross-party protest against the cutbacks and closures in Navan,” said Phil Brennan, mayor of Navan.
"We are not making a protest to the old Government. This is for the new government. We are telling them that this is the people of Navan, they are not going to stand by while they close Navan hospital," he said.
