Update given on progress of several healthcare investments in Donegal

An update was provided on the progress of several investments in healthcare across the county at the recent HSE Regional Health Forum West.

The HSE West and North West Infrastructure Update for May 2026 details ongoing capital projects in Donegal.

At Letterkenny University Hospital, there are major works underway in terms of the surgical hub, ambulatory oncology unit, community nursing unit, and expansion of the renal department.

A tender process for the Design Team for the new Surgical Hub and Ambulatory Oncology Unit has recently concluded, with the Design Team expected to be appointed in June.

Falcarragh Community Hospital has seen works progress with construction works at a practical completion stage, with full bed availability in Q2 2026, subject to HIQA registration.

As for Donegal Town Community Hospital, it is expected that construction works will be completed in Q2 2026. Buncrana Community Hospital refurbishment is anticipated that the tender for construction will be issued in Q2 2026.

“We have seen and experienced the challenges with the HIQA compliance team,” Fianna Fáil Councillor Ciaran Brogan said. “I am glad that Falcarragh and Buncrana are now progressing. This investment is important and I welcome the report.”

Works are ongoing at Donegal Hospice, with final stages of design to commence in July.

The New Orthotics Department in Donegal Town Community Hospital is due for completion by June.

Civil Registration works will be completed; monitoring of temperature and humidity is ongoing to ensure the environment is within the required parameters prior to bringing back in files and records.

Meanwhile, Milford Health Centre car park, disabled access and energy upgrade works have been completed.

Under minor capital funding, construction works are due to commence at St Joseph’s Community Hospital, Stranorlar, for flat roof repairs; the New Enhanced Community CareHub Design team is to be appointed and commence early design feasibility in 2026; and the ECC Extension detailed design is complete, currently at tender preparation stage and construction anticipated to start in late 2026.

It is anticipated completion Ground Floor hub at St Conal’s, Letterkenny will be completed by the end of the year. Delays were due to the widespread invasion of dry rot that must be addressed to maintain and protect the structure of the building for the future.

As for residential facilities at Ballinacor, construction works will begin in June 2026. At Mol an Oige, Old Girls School (Milbrae) and Tiernaleague, construction is to commence later in 2026.

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