HSE Capital Plan set to boost healthcare facilities in Kildare – Minister

Kildare South Fine Gael TD, and Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Martin Heydon has welcomed the publication of the Health Service Executive’s Building and Equipment Capital Plan for 2026. 

This plan brings an investment of €11.3m to Kildare, as part of a €1.3 billion allocation nationally for the development and enhancement of healthcare infrastructure.

Minister Heydon said: “The investments set out in the 2026 HSE Capital plan shows our commitment to improve Kildare’s health service facilities and ensure better access to care for our patients.  Investing in our health service is important as our population grows, with many people living longer, healthier lives.

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“Today’s announcement includes €5.6m to progress phase 1 of the redevelopment of St Vincent’s Hospital Athy and €1m towards a new Acute Mental Health Unit at Naas General Hospital which are both very welcome. Additional projects at Naas General Hospital & St. Vincent’s and TUS Nua, Kildare Town are also included.  This plan is welcome news that will help bring healthcare services closer to home and better meet the needs of patients and families in our community.”

Continuing, Minister Heydon said: “Some of the projects at St Vincent’s Athy include tender for construction of phase 1 of the Community Nursing Unit, the conversion of a vacant nightingale ward to a Day Care Centre, and improved fire safety works in the building. Naas General Hospital will benefit from funding for detailed design for the new Lakeview Mental Health Unit, design feasibility for a 15 cubicle transition unit for admissions and discharges, refurbishment of an existing space to provide an Acute Medical Assessment Unit, funding for appraisal works for a new build mortuary, and an additional CT scanner.”

“This investment will complement the terrific work of our doctors, nurses, and healthcare staff by increasing capacity and developing the necessary infrastructure of our healthcare settings across Kildare. It will enable greater provision of care in our hospitals and in our communities, allowing us to advance the Sláintecare vision to provide the right care, in the right place, at the right time,” concluded Minister Heydon.