The figure compares to €9.9M spent in 2020.
The HSE spent €13.6 million on private ambulance services last year.
According to freedom of information figures, it's a 37% increase on the previous year.
The HSE's National Ambulance Service mainly deals with emergency calls.
Private ambulance are mainly used by hospital groups to transport patients who are less seriously ill.
In 2020, €9.9 million was spent on private ambulance services by HSE hospitals - rising to just under €13.6 million last year.
Lifeline Ambulance Service got €4.3 million in 2021 - the highest amount.
The HSE says the big difference in expenditure between 2020 and 2021 was down to Covid-19.
It also said private providers helped with testing and vaccination.
David Hall is its chief executive - he says private providers are needed:
Tissue Used In Attempt To Set Car On Fire Outside Home In Ballyroe, Near Athy
Smaller Buses On TFI Route 821 Leaving Son With Special Needs Stranded, Says Caragh Mother
Woman Suffers Arm Injury Protecting Pet From Alleged Dog Attack In Leixlip
Garda Manhunt Underway For Teen Fugitive With Car Theft History In Multiple Counties, Including Kildare
Man Jailed For Crash That Killed Two Teenagers On Way To Debs
Kildare Minister Under Fire: €8m Plan To Attract Foreign Academics Labelled "Hypocritical"
Kildare Among Worst Counties For Failing Septic Tanks, As EPA Warns Of Health And Pollution Risks
TD Ruth Coppinger Says She Received Death Threats After Refusing Gript Interview
