THE HSE has confirmed that the tender for the long-awaited renovation works at Buncrana Community Hospital has now been published on eTenders.
The announcement marks a significant milestone for the project, coming after years of delays, revised timelines and growing frustration within the community.
The confirmation follows communication received by the HSE to 100% Redress Councillor Joy Beard late on Wednesday evening advising that the tender, which had previously been expected to issue on June 30, had still not been published. However, the HSE has now confirmed that the tender has officially been released.
Speaking today, Cllr Beard said: “This is the news that residents, their families, staff and the wider community have been waiting a long time to hear. After years of delays and disappointment, I am delighted that the tender has finally been published.
“People have been incredibly patient. Time and again we have been told the project was progressing, only for timelines to slip. While today’s announcement is very welcome, everyone now wants to see this project move from plans and paperwork to construction.”
Cllr Beard said the publication of the tender represents a major step forward but stressed that momentum must now be maintained.
“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.”
Cllr Beard paid tribute to everyone who has continued to campaign for the project over many years.
“I want to thank the residents, families, staff and everyone in the wider community who never gave up advocating for this much-needed investment. Their voices have helped keep this project firmly on the agenda.
“I will continue to engage with the HSE throughout every stage of the procurement process and will be seeking regular updates. After waiting for so many years, our community deserves to see these works commence and be delivered as quickly as possible.”
Cllr Beard concluded by saying that while today’s announcement is a cause for optimism, the focus must now be on ensuring there are no further setbacks.
“For too long, this project has been associated with delay after delay. Today is an important breakthrough, but the real success will be seeing contractors on site and the renovation works completed for the benefit of current and future generations.”