The doctor in the West Tipperary village of Bansha is due to retire next month; however, no applications to take over the service have been received by the HSE.
The lack of the Rural Practice Allowance as part of the job is being blamed for the lack of interest in the post. The allowance covers the cost of running a practice outside of urban areas.
The local HSE office has made an application to the National Executive to re-instate the payment for Bansha though no decision has been reached on this yet.
The matter was raised in the Dail by South Tipp Independent TD Mattie McGrath under Topical Issues.
Responding on behalf of the Health Minister, Junior Environment Minister Paudie Coffey said the Government was committed to ensuring the continuation of rural doctor services.
