Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
914. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the proposed development of the new specialist palliative care unit in Drogheda to service the population of Louth and Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5422/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe government is committed to the development of a new hospice in Drogheda. It is a strategic goal and a priority of the HSE to develop a 36 bed Specialist Palliative Care Unit in Drogheda to service the population of Louth and Meath. This is in line with the Department of Health’s 2024 National Adult Palliative Care Policy, the HSE 2017 Development Framework for Palliative Care and the HSE Capital Plan 2025.
The new hospice will provide, inpatient, outpatient, day-hospital, and bereavement services. It will also support palliative care education and research throughout the region. The hospice will act as a hub for a comprehensive palliative care service in the region. It will be integrated and operate closely with the existing specialist palliative care teams in Louth and Meath which currently provide specialist palliative care in local acute hospitals and in the community.
The HSE have been working in partnership with a registered charity – Newgrange Hospice Foundation – to deliver the hospice. The partnership with the Foundation will mean construction costs of the new hospice being covered by the charity and its donors. The HSE will fund the fit out and operating costs (both pay and non-pay).
The tender is expected to be published in Q1 2026. It is anticipated the build out will be Q2 2026 to Q2 2028. The aim is to open the new hospice and admit patients in Q4 2028. The new Drogheda Hospice will be under HSE Governance and will provide integrated and high-quality palliative care to patients in the North-East.
