The €1.3 bn plan for national health infrastructure, equipment and furnishing projects this year was drawn up in advance of the recent decision by an An Coimisiún Pleanála to overturn planning permission for the Rotunda hospital to build a €100m extension.
This has led to calls for major health buildings to be deemed critical infrastructure, as a way of getting around planning objections.
The HSE capital plan, which has been approved by the Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, includes another €97.23m towards the completion of the National Children’s Hospital Ireland some time this year.
It also includes the phase two tender for the paediatric department in Cork University Hospital, and the start of construction.
Additional beds for people with eating disorders are promised, while the long awaited promise of an inpatient unit for new mothers with serious mental health problems is included – although no costing or location is mentioned.
Other projects to be funded include the progressing the proposals to relocate the National Maternity Hospital to the site of St Vincent’s Hospital Dublin.
It promises another round 143 more acute beds as well as a further 415 community beds.
Some €34m is earmarked for the national ambulance service, including renewal.
Further investment in the digitalisation is due including improving the HSE health app.
The minister said that “our investment plans for healthcare in 2026 will bring real benefits to people across the country. We’re investing €1.327bn into new buildings and equipment, showing the Government’s ongoing commitment to better healthcare and increased capacity.
“We’re also investing €263m in digital health reforms in 2026 which will drive implementation and expansion of the National Electronic Health Record and the HSE app.
“By expanding capacity and building the right physical and digital infrastructure, both in hospitals and in communities, we are advancing the Sláintecare vision to provide the right care, in the right place, at the right time.”
Minister of State with responsibility for Mental Health Mary Butler said that the investment reaffirms the commitment to deliver improved mental health infrastructure in line with national mental health policy.
“This year’s plan prioritises the development of the Perinatal Mental Health Unit for new mothers, specialist Eating Disorder beds for adults, and the progression of six priority Acute Mental Health Units around the country.
“There has never been more momentum behind transforming the mental health capital estate, with unprecedented levels of funding being made available to the HSE.
“This investment will ensure people experiencing mental illness will access services in safe, therapeutic, and recovery-focused environments.”