The sod has been turned on a new €100m five-storey extension at Cavan General Hospital.
The development will include a new Emergency Department, a new endoscopy unit and additional inpatient capacity.
It has been described as a milestone in the development of acute hospital services for people in Cavan, Monaghan and the North East.
The Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill attended the sod-turning event at the hospital this afternoon and said that the investment will help to improve access to timely, high quality care closer to home.
“It reflects our commitment to expanding hospital capacity, supporting our healthcare staff and ensuring our health service can meet the needs of a growing population”
The extension includes 56 additional beds in in-patient accommodation, including bariatric facilities and isolation rooms.
The HSE said this additional ward capacity will help relieve pressure on beds, support reductions in waiting times and enable more patients to be treated locally rather than travelling outside the region.
Sara Long, the Regional Executive Officer of HSE Dublin North East said it was an important investment in the future of healthcare in the region.
Construction is now commencing on site.
The HSE is working with clinical teams and staff to minimise disruption during the building works.