Over 12.2 million euro (€12,248,520) has been allocated to healthcare infrastructure projects in Kerry under the proposed 2026 HSE capital plan.
University Hospital Kerry (UHK) will get the lion’s share of the funding while, €392,980 has been allocated towards the design feasibility stage of a new ambulance station at Caherciveen Community Hospital.
Furthermore, €842,100 has been assigned for the appraisal stage of the proposed injury unit in Killarney.
The announcement has been welcomed by Minister of State Michael Healy Rae, Deputy Danny Healy Rae, Deputy Michael Cahill, and and Minister Norma Foley.
€8,421,000 has been set aside for the detailed design of a single-storey vertical extension at UHK, which will add an extra floor to an existing building.
The project forms part of the state’s Acute Inpatient Bed Capacity Expansion Plan, aimed at increasing overnight bed numbers in public hospitals.
A further €842,100 has been earmarked for the appraisal of passive fire protection works to strengthen safety compliance at the hospital.
In addition, €1,038,590 has been allocated for construction works to replace the back-up generator system, transformers and electrical switchgear, improving the hospital’s power supply resilience.
€280,700 will support the design feasibility stage of a proposed new ward block, providing single inpatient rooms and associated facilities.
Meanwhile, €196,490 has been assigned for the tender process for a new addressable emergency lighting system.
€112,280 will go towards the appraisal of plans for an additional obstetrics theatre, along with upgrades to an existing theatre and related plant infrastructure.
€56,140 has been allocated to complete the refurbishment of a former administrative area, delivering nine extra inpatient beds.
The same amount has been assigned for the construction phase of works to purchase and fit out a building on John Joe Sheehy Road in Tralee, facilitating the relocation of the Women’s Health Team from University Hospital Kerry.
And €10,000 has been allocated for the initial appraisal stage of plans to develop services under the Integrated Care Programme for Chronic Disease, the Integrated Care Programme for Older Persons, and Acute Outpatients.
