Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
678. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Health the plans to establish a minor injuries unit in Drogheda, County Louth; if the HSE has undertaken any assessment of the need for such a facility in the town; the timeframe for any proposed development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46967/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for raising this important matter.
Injury Units play a key role in our urgent and emergency care system. They provide safe and convenient care for non-life-threatening injuries such as broken bones, sprains, minor burns, cuts and wounds. They deliver the same level of care for these conditions as an Emergency Department, but with significantly shorter waiting times and closer to home for many patients.
Last year, Injury Units saw 222,697 attendances nationally, a 5% increase on 2024. The median wait time remains exceptionally low at 1.3 hours, and has improved further to 1.2 hours so far this year.
The HSE operates a well-established Injury Unit at Louth County Hospital in Dundalk, which is open from 9am to 8pm, seven days a week. This unit provides care for a wide range of minor injuries and is the designated Injury Unit for the region.
The HSE completed a National Injury Unit Review in 2023 to assess service levels and geographical coverage. This review informed the 2026 National Service Plan, which includes the development of new Injury Units in Tallaght, Athlone, Carlow and Ballina. These locations were prioritised based on population need, geographical gaps and clinical safety considerations.
In relation to Drogheda specifically, the HSE has not identified plans at this time to establish a new Injury Unit in the town. The focus of the 2026 Service Plan is on progressing the four new units already approved and on standardising opening hours across existing units to 8am–8pm, seven days a week.
However, the HSE continues to monitor population growth, service demand and geospatial needs across all regions as part of ongoing urgent and emergency care planning.
The Department and the HSE remain committed to ensuring that patients have timely access to safe and appropriate urgent care, and that the Injury Unit network continues to evolve in line with population needs.
