Sligo University Hospital houses the oldest renal unit in the country. I am requesting an update on the new unit. In February this year, the HSE informed me that the feasibility study on the unit is to be completed within a two-month period and that was two months ago. The response also states that national capital approval will be submitted at stage 1, quarter 2, 2024. We are now in quarter 3. The reason I am asking the Taoiseach for an update is that we have had delay after delay. Over 12 months ago, the Department of Health confirmed a feasibility study would be complete and submitted for capital approval in late quarter 3 of 2023. On 1 April 2022, the HSE said the accommodation schedule was being completed and that, as part of stage 1 of the capital process, a feasibility study would be completed in four to six months. That is 26 months ago. Back in 2019, the national clinical lead for the HSE renal office said a new renal unit would be needed at SUH. That is five years ago. I am hoping for good news today.

I thank Deputy Harkin for raising this matter. I can hear her palpable frustration on behalf of her constituents. I want to assure her first of our commitment to the development. The note I have in front of me says that a feasibility study is currently under way - as the Deputy knows - in relation to a new four-bay renal dialysis unit. A capital submission will be made in quarter 3 or quarter 4 of this year with a view to progressing to detailed design in 2025. Based on what the Deputy tells me today about a history of delays, let me probe that further. I know how important this is to the hospital. It is going to replace the current temporary three-bed renal unit on medical 5, which will create an extra space for the renal dialysis unit in Sligo. I will personally look into this and come back to the Deputy.