Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 July 2026
113. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the expected delivery timelines for improvements and new services at public hospitals and primary care centres in County Clare (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51846/26]
View answerCounty Clare continues to benefit from significant healthcare investment programmes.
Ennis Hospital will gain 48 additional beds through planned expansion by 2031.
Haemodialysis services at Ennis Hospital are expected for delivery by Q4 2026.
The National Ambulance Service is strengthening capacity across the Mid West region. During 2026, three additional Emergency Ambulances will be deployed in Ennistymon, Kilrush and Nenagh. An Intermediate Care Vehicle and Community Paramedic will be based in Ennis. A new Sligo-based Helicopter Emergency Medical Service will commence operations in Q3 2026. This will enhance emergency care access for people across County Clare.
Primary care infrastructure in Clare is being strengthened to improve local healthcare access. Ennis Primary Care Centre became operational in late 2022, and a further five locations in Clare are being considered for future primary care centre developments. These include Ballina/Killaloe/Newport, Ballyvaughan, Ennis and Ennistymon.
A new residential addiction treatment facility is progressing in Ennis, replacing Bushy Park. The vacant community nursing unit at Inis Gile will be refurbished for Dual Diagnosis and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services teams. A replacement 100-bed Community Nursing Unit at St Joseph's in Ennis is at the design phase. The development will provide both long-stay and short-stay accommodation.
This Government supports delivering integrated healthcare services locally where it is safe and appropriate. We will continue our programme of health service improvements across the Mid West region.
