Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2026
23. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Health for an update on the proposed health capital developments for older people services in Kilkenny in 2026; if she is confident that all timeframes and deadlines for these will be met; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17206/26]
View answerI am committed to completing the HIQA CNU Programme and also, as set out in the Programme for Government, expanding community bed capacity nationally.
This programme was developed in response to the introduction of HIQA’s National Residential Care Standards for Older People and the requirement that all facilities providing long-stay beds be registered with HIQA.
The programme involves the replacement, upgrade, or refurbishment of Community Nursing Units at up to 90 locations nationwide. As outlined in the Sectoral Plan for Health that was published late last year, it is our intention to complete the HIQA programme within the next five years. This investment is being overlaid with the development of additional CNU capacity for older persons, including those living with dementia.
Seven of these projects are being delivered through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
St. Columba’s in Thomastown, County Kilkenny, is one of the facilities being delivered via Public Private Partnership (PPP). This project involves a new 95-bed unit, comprising 45 replacement beds and 50 additional beds. The PPP Co. expects to complete construction and handover the facility to the HSE in Q1 2026.
At this point, before the new Thomastown CNU can welcome residents and officially open, the unit must be registered with HIQA. The HSE are actively progressing the registration process with HIQA.
A date for residents to move into the new building will be confirmed once HIQA registration is achieved. Workforce planning and engagement with staff is ongoing to ensure that the required complement and skill mix of staff will be in place.
The HSE are working to ensure that residents move into their new homes as soon as possible and are committed to updating residents, staff, and their families in relation to the opening date.
