Welcome for developments in Sligo healthcare projects as call goes out for momentum to be maintained

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Cllr Edel McSharry has welcomed the latest developments in health and disability infrastructure across Sligo, following a recent meeting with HSE representatives and receipt of a detailed report responding to questions she raised at the last Regional Health Forum.

The report confirms significant investment and progress in hospital, disability, and community healthcare services.

Sligo is experiencing one of the most substantial periods of health and disability infrastructure investment in its history. Key projects are now under construction, in detailed design, or progressing through national approval stages, demonstrating a strong commitment to the region’s healthcare needs.

Cllr McSharry highlighted that “real construction is underway, not just planning.” Key projects at Sligo University Hospital include:

North West Hospice Extension: 12 single inpatient rooms, expanded outpatient services, and facilities for community and hospital palliative care teams, due to open in early 2026.

42 additional inpatient bed capacity and CSSD upgrade, both under construction.

Second CT scanner and new build Nuclear Medicine extension under construction.

Major ward, ICU/HDU, radiology, emergency care, maternity, and theatre redevelopments at detailed design stage.

Ophthalmic macular treatment rooms at detailed design

Several future projects, including an Ambulatory Cancer Centre, Dialysis Outpatient Expansion, a Surgical Hub, ICT and pharmacy upgrades, and replacement orthopaedic theatre facilities, remain at various appraisal stages.

Disability services are progressing, with new homes in Cairns Hill and Ballydoogan, and the children’s respite centre ‘Suaimhneas’ nearing completion. Emergency service investment is also planned, including a new National Ambulance Service Base, Regional Headquarters, and Training Facility at Magheraboy.

Primary care developments continue, with the Tubbercurry Community Care Centre out to tender for the Main Contractor, with tender returns due in Q1 2026. Subject to national approval, construction is expected to start in late Q2/early Q3 2026.

Cllr McSharry emphasised that “while the investment is welcome, the biggest challenge is moving projects from appraisal and planning to construction as quickly as possible. We urgently need additional bed capacity and expanded community services to reduce the unacceptable waiting lists, diagnostic delays, and overcrowding in our Sligo University.”

“Our region faces greater healthcare pressures than many other national centres, with higher waiting times and overcrowding. Moving these projects from planning to construction is urgent. The foundations are being laid, cranes are on site, and services are expanding. The task now is to maintain momentum, remove bottlenecks, and ensure that national decision-making meets the scale of local need,” said Cllr McSharry.

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.