HEALTH chiefs have been warned that a long-awaited Donegal hospital upgrade cannot be delayed again.
The warning was issued following confirmation from the Health Service Executive (HSE) that tender for renovation works at Buncrana Community Hospital has been published on Ireland’s national tendering website eTenders.
Planning permission for an extension at the hospital was granted in September 2024 but has faced several delays.
Most recently the contract for the extension was due to be issued on June 30 but this was delayed until July 9.
The plans include a single-storey extension with additional single-bed rooms, improved visitor facilities and upgrades to the existing building to create a modernised unit for residents.
The works will reconfigure the building to provide 30 single occupancy rooms, including long-stay and respite beds, as well as a full refurbishment and modernisation of the kitchen.
Buncrana Community Hospital. Photo Google Maps.
Local councillors like Jack Murray and Joy Beard have stated that there can be no more setbacks.
Councillor Jack Murray.
Cllr Murray said: “That was deeply disappointing as yet another missed deadline.
“We will continue to push relentlessly for this vital project to move forward as quickly as possible.
“The development has already been plagued by delay after delay after delay, with a very real human impact on patients, families, staff and the wider Inishowen community.
“People have waited long enough. Construction must now proceed and there can be no further excuses or delays.”
He added: “After repeated delays, the publication on eTenders is a very welcome and important step forward.
“We will now continue to press for the tender process to move quickly and for the works to begin without any further unnecessary delay.
“This project is badly needed and must now be delivered.”
Cllr Joy Beard.
Cllr Beard: “This is the news that residents, their families, staff and the wider community have been waiting a long time to hear.
“People have been incredibly patient. Time and again we have been told the project was progressing, only for timelines to slip.
“Everyone now wants to see this project move from plans and paperwork to construction.”
She added: “Publishing the tender is a milestone, but it is not the end of the process.
“We now need to see the procurement completed as quickly as possible, a contractor appointed and work beginning on site without any further unnecessary delays.
“After waiting for so many years, our community deserves to see these works commence and be delivered as quickly as possible.
“For too long, this project has been associated with delay after delay.”