Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said the new 50-bed unit for Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, should happen as soon as possible because the hospital’s facilities are very out of date.

Galway East TD and Minister for Rural Affairs Seán Canney welcomed the Taoiseach’s intervention in the Dáil as “a positive sign.”

Minister Canney said: “The Taoiseach has acknowledged that Portiuncula is performing well but acknowledged its facilities are not fit for purpose.

“He visited Portiuncula when he was Minister for Health. He told the Dáil this week that he was very keen to see construction of the 50-bed unit starting as soon as possible.

“The extension is very much needed to enable more elective surgeries and will help take pressure off University Hospital Galway. Consequently hospital services across the whole region will benefit.”

The extension to Portiuncula is part of the National Development Plan.

Minister of Health Simon Harris told the Dáil last month that tender documents were being prepared “with a view to commencing an enabling works contract in 2019” but this would be subject to funding availability.

For more information, contact Minister Canney on 086-2513639
May 23 2019