I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 157 together.
I would like to thank Deputy Boland for raising this important issue.
This Government remains fully committed to delivering healthcare reform under the Sláintecare framework, ensuring that people receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time. A key part of our hospital-avoidance strategy is the continued development of Injury Units, which provide safe, convenient care for non-life-threatening injuries such as broken bones, sprains and burns. These units deliver the same level of care for these conditions as an Emergency Department, but closer to home and with significantly shorter waiting times.
Nationally, Injury Units continue to perform strongly. Last year they saw 222,697 attendances, a 5% increase on 2024, and performance has remained robust into 2026. Up to the end of June this year, attendances reached 115,768 - a further 2% increase on the same period in 2025 and the median Patient Experience Time remains exceptionally low at just 1.2 hours. This reflects growing public confidence in the model and the convenience of local access.
The HSE completed a National Injury Unit Review in 2023 to assess service levels and geographical coverage. This review informed the 2026 National Service Plan, which priorities new units in Tallaght, Athlone, Carlow and Ballina, based on population need, geographical gaps and clinical safety considerations.
There are currently no plans to open an Injury Unit at Balbriggan. The focus of the 2026 Service Plan is on progressing the four new units already identified. However, the HSE continues to review expansion needs and is working to future-proof the system by standardising opening hours to 8am–8pm, seven days a week across existing sites.
Residents in Balbriggan currently have access to several options for non-life-threatening injuries, including: the Primary Care Centre which provides a wide range of services, including primary care therapies, specialist teams for older people, chronic disease management, mental health and disability services. It also hosts two GP practices and a pharmacy.
Balbriggan residents also have access to:
• Dundalk Injury Unit, St Joseph’s Hospital, and
• Connolly Hospital Emergency Department, which includes a dedicated nurse-led Minor Injury Unit
The Department and the HSE will continue to monitor population growth, service demand and geospatial needs to ensure that our urgent and emergency care footprint evolves in line with the needs of rapidly growing communities such as Balbriggan and north Fingal.
