MINISTER for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, has confirmed that a second Surgical Hub will be located in the North West at Letterkenny University Hospital.

The plans include the development of a new two-theatre surgical hub beside Letterkenny University Hospital building, along with the addition of 30 ambulatory day oncology chairs.

A surgical hub is also proposed for Sligo.

Donegal Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn welcomed this morning’s announcement.

“It was unthinkable that the locating of regional Surgical Hubs across the country would not include one being located at Letterkenny University Hospital,” Deputy Mac Lochlainn said.

“This is testament to the hard work of all that campaigned, particularly the 171 doctors and clinicians who stood up and fought for fairness for the people of Donegal.

“Without whom, this would not have been possible.

“Forcing a u-turn on this issue was a priority for myself and Sinn Féin colleagues Deputy Pearse Doherty and Cllr Gerry McMonagle, chair of the HSE Regional Health Forum West.”

Deputy Mac Lochlainn said it is hard to put into words just how badly this expansion of services was needed.

“It will save lives and ensure the future of Letterkenny University Hospital,” he said.

“There is still work to be done, but this is an enormous step taken today to improve Letterkenny University Hospital and healthcare in Donegal.”

Donegal Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue also welcomed this morning’s announcement.

“The investment will serve to improve surgical and cancer services in the county,” Minister McConalogue said.

“I have stressed to the HSE that Donegal must be provided with its own surgical hub.

“I have worked closely at political level in Government to ensure that a surgical hub will be delivered for Letterkenny and I thank the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, for her help and assistance.

“I also welcome the announcement that patients in the North West will have access to high-quality surgical and oncology care.”

The design of the new surgical hub will allow for future vertical expansion, addressing the long-term need for additional bed capacity in the region.

To support this, a full Development Control Plan (DCP) for the Letterkenny University Hospital site will be commissioned to guide the sequencing of future developments.

The HSE will now proceed with the development of planning applications for both sites, engaging with relevant local authorities, which will be prepared in parallel, ensuring a coordinated and efficient rollout of these critical healthcare projects.

“I look forward to seeing work commence on these new services at Letterkenny University Hospital as soon as possible,” Minister McConalogue concluded.