Almost €18 million in funding for Laois projects has been included in the HSE’s Capital Plan for 2025, which has been published today by the Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll-McNeill.
€17.72 million has been allocated to Laois as part of a record €1.33 billion nationally for “the development and enhancement of healthcare infrastructure” according to Laois Fine Gael TD, William Aird.
The bulk of the funding has been allocated to projects in Portlaoise Hospital and St Vincent’s in Mountmellick.
A total of €7.75 million is for Portlaoise Hospital, the bulk of which (€5.7 million) is for the major two-storey emergency department which is currently nearing completion.
A total of €6.82 million has been allocated to Phase 1 of the 50-bed upgrade to St Vincent’s Hospital in Mountmellick.
Funding has also been allocated for the design stage of a Portlaoise Primary Care Centre (€500,000) and to a feasibility study for a Mountrath Primary Care Centre (€250,000).
Welcoming the announcement, Deputy Aird said: “Investment in our health service is essential, and today’s announcement, including in Primary Care Centres in Mountrath and Portlaoise, is a strong demonstration of this Government’s commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible healthcare in our communities.
“For our area, this means direct investment in the Midlands Regional Hospital and St Fintan’s Hospital, Portlaoise and also in St Vincent’s Hospital Mountmellick. This is welcome news that will help bring healthcare services closer to home and better meet the needs of patients and families across County Laois.”
Commenting on the publication of the HSE Capital Plan, Minister Carroll MacNeill said: “I’m pleased to approve the publication of the HSE Capital Plan for 2025.
“This plan continues the delivery of vital healthcare projects across the country and supports the expansion of capacity and reform in how we deliver care.
“The scale of investment reflected in this plan underlines the Government’s focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure and progressing toward universal, community-based care.”
“These works will help improve health services for people across the county and this new investment is a guarantee of better health facilities in the county for years to come,” added Laois Fianna Fáil TD Sean Fleming.
“The funding has been provided by the Government and it is essential that the HSE deliver on all the projects that are being funded and not to leave any of this money unspent in Laois.
“€7.75 million has been provided for the hospital in Portlaoise for the new two-storey emergency department extension and for the paediatric unit.
“€800,000 has been provided for new accommodation works in St. Fintan’s Hospital, Portlaoise.
“St. Vincent’s Hospital in Mountmellick is being provided with €7.12 million for works on the new 50 bed unit which is currently under construction.
“I am very pleased that €250,000 has been allocated for the new Primary Care Centre in Mountrath. This funding will allow this project to proceed and hopefully it will be completed as soon as possible.”
Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise – €7,750,000
€5,700,000 – Two-storey emergency department extension for adult and paediatric care.
€800,000 – Programme of Fire safety improvement works including fire rating upgrades to walls, partitions and compartmentation in addition to fire door replacement, Fire detection, alarm systems and emergency lighting system upgrades.
€750,000 – Phased delivery of AMHU anti-ligature works.
€300,000 – Purchase and refurbishment of a property adjacent to Portlaoise MRH for on-call accommodation.
€200,000 – Placeholder for project included in Acute Inpatient Bed Capacity Expansion Plan 2024-31. Capital Submission to be progressed.
HIQA St Vincent’s, Mountmellick – €7,120,000
€6,820,000 – Phase 1 of HIǪA compliance programme of works for the 50 bed new unit.
€300,000 – HIǪA Compliance, Phase 2 & 3, 50 bed new build & 30 bed refurb.
St Fintan’s, Portlaoise – €1,200,000
€1,000,000 – Refurbishment Works for CAMHS Team 3 in St Fintan’s Hospital Portlaoise.
€200,000 – New 20 bed high support Community Residence (2 No. 10 Bed Units).
HUB 24 – St. Fintan’s Portlaoise – €800,000
€800,000 – New build facility to provide both Interim and long-term accommodation solutions on a phased delivery for chronic disease management hubs with ICPOP (integrated care programme for older people) outreach service. Phase 1 will comprise the Interim hub and phase 2 will involve the fit-out of the remainder of the new build to provide the long-term Hub.
Portlaoise – €500,000
€500,000 – New building on the St Fintan’s Campus to create Portlaoise Primary Care Centre.
Mountrath – €250,000
€250,000 – Proposed Primary Care Centre.
Bridge Street, Portlaoise – €100,000
€100,000 – New Community Mental Health day centre, replacing Triogue Bridge Street.
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