Families left waiting as Buncrana Community Hospital delays continue

Frustration is mounting in Buncrana after the latest update from the Health Service Executive (HSE) confirmed further delays to refurbishment works at Buncrana Community Hospital.

Campaigners, led by Inish Theatre Group alongside affected families, have voiced their anger following recent correspondence issued to local TDs and councillors, which they say shows “no real progress” on the long-awaited project.

According to the group, the update, while outlining revised timelines, effectively pushes the project back by a further three months, adding to what they describe as prolonged uncertainty and distress for families relying on the facility.

“This is not progress. This is a continued failure,” the group said in a statement.

Particular concern has been raised over what campaigners describe as a lack of engagement from HSE management, including the absence of any acknowledgement following a recent community protest held outside the hospital. “Families, residents, and campaigners stood together to demand answers and accountability, and that collective voice has been ignored.”

Inish Theatre Group also said the response fails to reflect the strength of feeling locally. “Our community is being fobbed off with vague language and shifting timelines. Families are suffering while decisions are delayed behind desks. This is not good enough, and we will not accept it,” a spokesperson said.

The group has confirmed it is now considering further action, including the possibility of staging a protest at HSE offices in Ballyshannon.

The theatre Group has also issued a public call for Integrated Healthcare Area Manager Dermot Monaghan to visit Buncrana and meet directly with affected families.

Campaigners have also urged local TDs, Senators, and councillors to maintain pressure on health authorities. “We thank our elected representatives for their support to date, but we urge them not to accept this weak response as an answer. Our community deserves stronger advocacy and real outcomes.”

The issue has also been raised at the March plenary meeting of Donegal County Council. South Inishowen Councillor  Fionán Bradley called on the HSE, Health Information and Quality Authority, and the Department of Health to address the ongoing impact of the partial closure of Buncrana Community Hospital.

A motion was passed calling for immediate progress on community hospital works under the Capital Plan, along with formal correspondence to the Area Manager and Minister for Health.

Cllr Bradley also highlighted concerns over what he described as a lack of meaningful engagement between the HSE and local representatives, which is causing concern within the community. 

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As pressure continues to build, campaigners say their message remains clear: “delays dressed up as progress will not be tolerated, until the people of Buncrana receive the care, dignity, and respect they have long been denied.”