Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2026
518. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to provide a detailed progress report with regard to the new minor injuries unit in Killarney; when this long-awaited project will be delivered for the people of Killarney and mid-, east and south Kerry; when work will commence and when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54433/26]
View answerThe Minister for Health and this government is committed to improving access to urgent and emergency care services and to ensuring that patients are treated in the most appropriate setting, as close to home as possible. Injury Units have an important role in this regard by providing timely care for patients with non-life-threatening or limb-threatening injuries, while also helping to reduce avoidable attendances at Emergency Departments.
The Health Service Executive has confirmed that the proposed Injury Unit for Killarney remains a priority development as part of the wider programme to expand access to Injury Unit services nationally. The objective of this programme is to provide more equitable access to urgent care services, support patients to receive care in the most appropriate setting, and reduce pressure on Emergency Departments, including University Hospital Kerry.
In relation to the Killarney project, the HSE has advised that the delivery of the Injury Unit is dependent on the completion of the Community Nursing Unit in Killarney.
Subject to the completion of the Community Nursing Unit and the progression of the associated enabling works and approvals, the current timeline is that the Killarney Injury Unit will be completed in late 2027.
The Department will continue to engage with the HSE on the progression of this project and on the wider Injury Unit expansion programme. The Minister recognises the importance of this development for the people of Killarney and the surrounding region, and is keen to see the project advanced as quickly as possible, while ensuring that it is delivered in a safe, planned and sustainable manner.
