Relief as Buncrana Community Hospital project finally goes to tender
Long-delayed redevelopment moves a step closer as HSE begins the tender process for a major hospital upgrade.
The long-awaited redevelopment of Buncrana Community Hospital has taken a significant step forward after the HSE confirmed that the project has now gone to tender.
The move marks a major milestone for the renovation and extension project, which has been delayed for several years and has been the focus of sustained campaigning by public representatives, hospital staff, residents and families.
Welcoming the development, Minister of State Charlie McConalogue said it is an essential project for Buncrana and Inishowen.
"It will deliver a state-of-the-art facility for the area that will include 30 single-occupancy, fully HIQA-compliant rooms, a new extension accommodating six new one-bed wards, a modern and fully refurbished hospital kitchen, and bright, open new day rooms and visitor spaces."
The Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy added that the tendering process is expected to take between six and eight weeks.
"While the delays up to this point have been highly frustrating for the local community, I have continuously pressed the HSE to get this project moving. I am pleased that the HSE has responded positively following recent meetings and that the project has now progressed to the tender stage."
Mr McConalogue added that it was imperative the project is completed as quickly as possible so the additional beds can become available to the local community.
“Having a modernised community hospital facility delivered in Buncrana will allow our elderly and vulnerable residents to receive care and treatment in their local community, close to their loved ones and a dedicated local care team that comprehensively meets their needs. ”
Fianna Fáil councillor Fionán Bradley also welcomed the announcement as the most significant breakthrough to date.
"That's the hardest of the work done. I really do expect it to run pretty smoothly now. It's great to have it this far."
The confirmation will come as a relief to many families who had expressed concern in recent months about the future of the nursing unit at Buncrana Community Hospital.
However, Councillor Bradley insisted there had never been any plans to close the unit.
"I knew for a fact it wasn't closing because we wouldn't have allowed them to close it. But in fairness, the HSE always said that they never had any plans to close the nursing unit."
The South Inishowen Councillor said he was hopeful that construction would begin before the end of the year.
"The tenders will be out for six weeks, and then there'll be a two-week extension if contractors want it, and when they receive the tenders back, they have a certain length of time when they have to appraise them, review them and appoint a contractor.”
"There is every possibility that our Christmas present will be diggers on site around late November or early December."
After years of delays and disappointment,100% Redress Councillor Joy Beard said she was delighted that the tender has finally been issued.
"People have been incredibly patient. Time and again we have been told the project was progressing, only for timelines to slip. While the announcement is very welcome, everyone now wants to see this project move from plans and paperwork to construction."
Councillor Beard said the next priority was to ensure the tender process moved forward without delay.
"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."
The South Inishowen Councilor also paid tribute to residents, families, staff and campaigners who had continued to advocate for the redevelopment over many years.
"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."
Sinn Féin councillor Jack Murray also welcomed the development.
"After repeated delays, this is a very welcome and important step forward," he said.
"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."
The redevelopment will modernise Buncrana Community Hospital, providing 30 single-occupancy, HIQA-compliant bedrooms, a six-bed extension, a refurbished kitchen and upgraded day rooms and visitor facilities.
If the procurement process proceeds on schedule, a contractor could be appointed later this year, with construction expected to begin towards the end of 2026. The works are expected to take approximately 18 months to complete.