Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2026
27. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health if she will report the delay in delivery of new maternity hospital for UHK which would offer safe access to theatre from delivery suite; the reasons for this delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16503/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for their question on University Hospital Kerry (UHK).
UHK is the largest hospital in the county and provides essential services to the people of Kerry and the wider region.
I remain fully committed to increasing capacity at the hospital. This commitment is reflected in the recently published Capital Plan, which outlines a number of significant projects progressing at UHK, including the 30-bed single-storey vertical extension that is currently under construction.
As with all acute hospital campuses, developments of scale are complex. They must be carefully planned to ensure that existing services can continue safely while works are underway.
The HSE Capital and Estates Office has advised that a Development Control Plan (DCP) for the University Hospital Kerry campus is currently being prepared. The DCP will provide a strategic framework for the future development of the hospital.
The purpose of the DCP is to ensure that any proposed capital investment – including the future development of maternity services facilities – is properly planned, fully integrated, and aligned with long-term service needs and site constraints.
Once complete, the DCP will inform and support the preparation of a capital submission to address the requirements of maternity services at UHK. It is anticipated that the DCP will be completed by early Q3 2026.
