Written answer
Hospital Services
Since May 2024, 335 acute inpatient beds have opened, with 108 more expected by early 2027 and 259 under construction.
3776. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if the 441 hospital beds categorised as ‘committed’ in Appendix 1 of the Acute Hospital Inpatient Bed Capacity Expansion Plan 2024–2031 have now been provided; the number provided, by relevant hospital, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57660/26]
Comment on this
3777. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health for an update on the provision of 1,541 hospital beds planned for 2025-2028 in Appendix 1 of the Acute Hospital Inpatient Bed Capacity Expansion Plan 2024–2031; the number of these that are now in place; the number provided by relevant hospital, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57661/26]
Comment on this
I propose to take Question No 3776 and Question No 3777 together.
The Programme for Government sets out a commitment to increase bed capacity by between 4,000 and 4,500 new and refurbished inpatient hospital beds across the country. The delivery of these beds will be achieved through the regionally balanced capacity expansion plan.
Building on a strong track record of infrastructure delivery and significant increases in capital expenditure in recent years, the substantially enhanced NDP provision for the health sector of €9.25 billion will support the delivery of equitable, accessible and high-quality healthcare across Ireland.
335 new acute inpatient beds have opened across the country between the publication of the Acute Hospital Inpatient Bed Capacity Expansion Plan in May 2024 and June 2026, as set out in the Appendix.
The HSE anticipates opening 108 more new beds over the course of Q3 and Q4 2026, and Q1 2027.
259 inpatient beds are currently under construction, including:
• 97 beds at Wexford General Hospital
• 42 beds at Sligo University Hospital
• 30 beds in University Hospital Kerry
It is intended to open these additional beds as soon as possible once constructed.
A further 185 beds are at tender stage and 152 beds are at detailed design stage.
A significant pipeline of projects is progressing through earlier stages of planning, design and approvals, providing a strong foundation for the continued delivery of bed capacity under Programme for Government commitments.