Ryan O'Meara
Ceist:27. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Health if she will report on the possible site selection for a community nursing unit in Roscrea; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4892/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 22 January 2026
Ceisteanna (27)
Freagraí scríofa
In relation to Community Nursing Units (CNU), I am committed to completing the HIQA CNU Programme (Refurbishment) and also, as set out in the Programme for Government, expanding community bed capacity nationally.
The HIQA CNU Programme, launched in 2016, was established to ensure that all public facilities providing long-stay residential care for older people are registered and meet HIQA standards.
This significant capital programme is transforming these care environments across the country.
The programme is provided for in the NDP Health Sectoral Investment Plan 2026 – 2030, published in November 2025, and is expected to reach completion during the course of the sectoral plan.
In addition, as also set out in the Sectoral Investment Plan, funding is being allocated to deliver additional community bed capacity, include dementia specific provision, in long term residential care. A community bed capacity plan is in development to progress this capacity.
In this work we are progressing additional community capacity across the regions, including Roscrea.
Regarding the site at Roscrea, the HSE sought an Expressions of Interest for suitable Development Site/Lands for a CNU in Roscrea in 2025.
Advertisements were placed in local Tipperary newspaper publications.
Many sites were identified initially, and a shortlisting exercise was undertaken to identify the most suitable sites for the proposed development.
There is a site identified that is suitable for this for this project.
The site acquisition process is ongoing, and details are commercially sensitive due to this. It is hoped that same will be concluded by HSE in Q1, 2026.