Local councillors have made emotional pleas for help with one stating that ‘we must never accept a future where critically ill people are left to fundraise for survival while time slips away’
The cost of the procedure is estimated at €600,000 and councillors have warned that time is running out.
The motion, brought forward by Cllr Peir Leonard at the local authority’s May monthly meeting and seconded by councillor Warren O’Toole, calls on the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Justice Minister to “urgently examine all available avenues of support” to ensure Ms Byrne can access the surgery without delay. The council also formally acknowledged the “extraordinary generosity and community spirit” shown by the people of Arklow, who have already raised more than €160,000 toward the cost.
Introducing the motion, Cllr Leonard delivered an emotional and pointed address. She said the council had spent the day discussing millions of euro for various projects, but that sometimes a society must pause and ask itself a more fundamental question.
“What do we truly value?”
She described Ms Byrne as “a young Arklow teacher… fighting simply for the chance to live,” and said it was profoundly wrong that someone in such a vulnerable position should be forced into a public fundraising campaign while battling for her life.
“No person who is critically ill should ever have to spend precious time pleading for help organising fundraising,” she said.
“Compassion is one of the greatest strengths we possess. The people of Arklow have shown extraordinary generosity, heart and humanity by raising over €160,000… It is a remarkable testament to the kind of community we are. While that generosity should make us proud, it should also make us uncomfortable because we cannot allow this to become the norm.”
Arklow teacher Eímear Byrne.
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Cllr Leonard warned that Ireland cannot become a country where survival depends on how quickly a community can organise raffles, cake sales or online appeals. She added that behind every fundraiser is “a frightened family”, and behind every delay is “a life hanging in the balance”. She also noted that Ms Byrne’s case has already resonated far beyond Arklow.
“When Eimear had her fundraising campaign online in Arklow, another young girl from across the country posted there, because she saw our community was raising so much money because she needed surgery. It just is heartbreaking.”
Cllr Leonard urged her colleagues with any access to ministers or senior officials to intervene personally.
“Eimear deserves dignity, she deserves urgency, she deserves the chance to access treatment that can save her life without her community having to carry that burden alone,” she said.
“This is bigger than one person and bigger than the kind of Ireland we want to be. We must never accept a future where critically ill people are left to fundraise for survival while time slips away.”
Cllr Miriam Murphy, echoed those words and spoke candidly about the emotional toll such situations take on families.
“It is emotional. It’s heartbreaking. And it’s a reality that I am sure other families are going through every day,” she said.
She described the humiliation and vulnerability that come with having to publicly seek financial help for medical care.
“I know what it is like to beg your sentiment. But you don’t want everyone to know that. You don’t want your private life out in the public. It’s heartbreaking. Absolutely heartbreaking.”
She said the situation should force the country to reflect on “the lack of funding and what the price of life is”, adding, “I hope Eimear survives it. I hope Eimear is helped with love and access by the ministers. At the end of the day she’s human, she’s every right to live her life.”
Cllr Warren O’Toole praised the people of Arklow for rallying around Ms Byrne, describing the community response as both moving and powerful.
“It is such a tragic story, such a young vibrant person,” he said. “There’s something heartening about a community rallying around… It is a testament to people in Arklow. It is a sign of when things get tough how communities react.” He said he fully supported the motion and hoped Ms Byrne would receive the treatment she urgently needs.
The motion passed without dissent as the chamber voiced unanimous support. The cathaoirleach thanked Cllr Leonard for bringing the motion forward and acknowledged the urgency of the situation.
While the immediate focus is on securing Ms Byrne’s treatment, councillors repeatedly stressed that her case highlights a deeper national issue: the growing number of Irish patients forced to seek specialised medical care abroad, often at enormous personal and financial cost. Ms Byrne’s situation, they said, is not an isolated tragedy but a symptom of a system that leaves families to fend for themselves when treatment is unavailable at home.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme