Cormac Devlin
Ceist:47. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health her plans for six priority acute mental health units in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17521/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 5 March 2026
Ceisteanna (47)
Freagraí scríofa
As Minister, I have set out my priorities for capital projects for 2026, with over €40m allocated to initiate and progress mental health infrastructure projects this year.
The funding represents another record level of investment in 43 separate mental health capital projects across the country, with annual investment set to increase further over the next four years.
I am prioritising the development of three regional adult Eating Disorder Inpatient Centres to provide improved access to specialist public beds in Cork, Dublin and the North West. The new facilities will provide specialist inpatient eating disorder care closer to home people who are acutely unwell and reduce the HSE’s current reliance on private placements.
Another key priority is the development of Ireland’s first Perinatal Mother and Baby Units to support the mental health of pregnant women and new mothers. Funding has been allocated to advance the establishment of a Perinatal Mental Health Unit which will be co-located with the new National Maternity Hospital on the St Vincent’s University Hospital campus in Dublin. In addition, HSE Mid-West are progressing plans for six-bed Perinatal Mental Health Unit on the St Joseph’s Hospital campus in Limerick.
As Minister I am determined to drive progress to redevelop six priority Acute Mental Health Units in 2026 to provide an improved therapeutic and recovery-focused environment for people admitted for mental health treatment. This includes new and upgraded facilities in Waterford, Roscommon, Cork, North Dublin, Kildare and South Dublin.
Funding has also been allocated to progress the development of new departments of psychiatry for Cavan General Hospital and St. Luke’s Hospital Kilkenny.
A new 10-bed specialist Community Mental Health Unit has been included in the plan for Wexford to provide intensive short stay care and treatment to people experiencing mental health difficulties in the county.
The investment for 2026 is the first tranche of funding to be allocated from an overall total of €470m earmarked for mental health projects in the National Development Plan 2026-2030.
A 10-year Capital Plan for Mental Health will be published this year which will set out a strategic investment plan to maximise the unprecedented level of investment in the mental health capital estate.
As your question relates to an operational issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to you.