Refurbishment of Buncrana Community Hospital delayed again until next year

The refurbishment and extension works at Buncrana Community Hospital have been delayed once again until next year. 

Construction works were due to begin last June, but the works on the site never began. After a three-month delay, works were scheduled to commence in September, but again they have been delayed until the first three months of next year. 

According to a spokesperson for the HSE, it is anticipated that work will begin on the nursing unit in early 2026 when a contractor is appointed. “Subject to the tender period, tender evaluation outcomes, and the necessary HSE approvals, the appointment of a contractor is expected in the first quarter of 2026.

The spokesperson further added that there had been a delay due to the commencement of works having deviated from the initial schedule, primarily due to changes in the design and scope of works. 

“These changes were made in response to guidance and advice from the regulator on other similar projects; it is anticipated this will support a smoother approval process on completion of the construction works.”

The facility comprises two units, namely the main ward and the recently refurbished Ash ward, and is registered for 41 beds.

The main ward can occupy 30 residents, whereas the Ash ward can occupy 11 residents. 

In the meantime and during the refurbishment period, 11 long-term residents will remain in the hospital and will be accommodated in the Ash ward. All short-term patients will be accommodated in Carndonagh Community Hospital and Nazareth House in Fahan for the duration of the refurbishment work, which is expected to take from 12 to 18 months before it is completed. 

Sinn Féin Councillor Jack Murray has expressed his disappointment and frustration that the long-awaited works to Buncrana Community Hospital will not commence until early 2026, describing the delay as “regrettable but ultimately out of our hands.”

The South Inishowen Councillor added that he was disappointed to see the “timeline slip once again, especially given how important these works are for our community.”

"Unfortunately, this delay is out of our hands — but it’s important to recognise that when completed, this project will be a hugely positive story for the people of Buncrana and the wider Inishowen area.”

“That said, this delay also represents a missed opportunity to address the shortage of beds and capacity in the local healthcare system.”

"We have a growing and ageing population that deserves access to the best possible care, close to home. Every year of delay adds unnecessary strain on families and services.”

“I will continue to engage with the HSE and government representatives to ensure that these works proceed as soon as possible and that Buncrana Community Hospital gets the investment it has long been promised.”

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Proposals to extend the nursing unit have been ongoing for over eight years. A planning proposal was submitted in March 2017 but was rejected. A further application was lodged in February 2019 and was given the green light, but the HSE had to reapply for permission last year after letting the previous permission lapse without construction commencing within its five-year term.

The Community Hospital was granted planning permission for the extension in September of last year. The single-storey extension will house six one-bed wards for residents. In addition, the single-storey extension will also include a waiting area and a visitors' room. It is also planned that the existing smoking room is to be converted into a new day room for residents. 

The upgrade of the facility will be the second major health-related project to be built in the Buncrana area in recent years, after the new Primary Care Centre on nearby Maginn Avenue opened its doors in 2022.