Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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239. To ask the Minister for Health when she will be in a position to make a decision on the provision of a new model 3 hospital in the mid-west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3749/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The Government is fully committed to improving services in the Mid West region. Significant additional funding has been allocated to the region and broader reforms are in progress, though more capacity is needed.

166 new beds have opened in acute hospitals in the Mid West region since Jan 2020 including a 16-bed rapid build unit delivered in 2024. 124 of these beds are in UHL. A further 96 new beds will be delivered in UHL by mid-2025 with a second new rapid build 16 bed unit also to be delivered this year.

Enabling works are also underway for a second 96 bed block at UHL. An additional 84 inpatient beds are planned at UHL through the Acute Hospital Inpatient Bed Capacity Expansion Plan.

HIQA is leading a review into urgent and emergency care capacity in the Mid West region including consideration of the need for a second Emergency Department. HIQA published the terms of reference for the review in August 2024. An interim update is expected shortly, and a final report is expected in May 2025. The results of this review will be considered when this report is finalised.