3659. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if she will confirm that the €24 million committed by Government in December 2023 for the development of a 20-bed level three inpatient palliative care facility at Arden Lane, Tullamore, remains fully available and ring-fenced for the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62111/26]

In September 2024, the Government announced that a new specialist palliative care inpatient unit will be built at the ‘Arden Lane’ site in Tullamore, Co. Offaly. The selected site was identified as the most feasible site following a structured options appraisal process. The development will provide a hub for the provision of specialist palliative care services across the Midlands, including day care, outpatient, inpatient, and community services.

The new build 20-bed inpatient unit will have an all-single room configuration and offer access based on identified need for those who require specialist palliative care in an inpatient setting. Clinical care at this new facility will be consultant led and delivered by a full multi-disciplinary specialist team.

In January 2026, the Department confirmed an increase in the level of Government committed capital funding to €24m for the project. This Government capital funding commitment is to fund capital costs of the project i.e. design fees, construction costs, equipment costs and other capital costs associated with the project. The project is being progressed under Capital Plan 2026.