Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2026
72. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health for an update on the plans to increase bed capacity in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17647/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Acute Inpatient Bed Capacity Expansion Plan 2024 – 2031 aims to deliver an additional 4,367 acute inpatient beds nationally. This includes an additional 141 beds for Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda (OLOL).
I would like to assure the Deputy that OLOL is planning for the future to safeguard against increasing demand for its services. Anticipated population growth, particularly among those aged over 75, along with any potential reconfiguration of acute services, highlights the need to expand the hospital’s capacity and capability.
To meet this challenge, a number of projects have been and continue to be developed:
• Ground Floor East Ward expanded bed capacity by ten general beds and two ICU beds in January 2023.
• 15 bed modular short stay medical unit, operational since April 2025.
• In accordance with the Acute Inpatient Bed Capacity Expansion Plan, Phase 3, a new ward block with inpatient beds, Endoscopy Day Services, Critical Care Services & Trauma Services is at appraisal stage.
• Replacement of the existing OPD modular building with an extended two storey building (Phase 1 OPD) is under construction. This will provide additional outpatient capacity.
