Construction work on Mayo A&E extension set to start shortly

Initial construction work on extending the emergency department and acute medical admissions unit at Mayo University Hospital is expected to start within the coming months.

Planning permission for the project, consisting of 70 additional beds, was granted by Mayo County Council earlier this month.

A progress report on the development was furnished to members of the HSE West Forum at today's meeting at Merlin Park, Galway, in response to a question submitted by Councillor Michael Kilcoyne.

It outlined: "There are multiple phases of works planned to deliver this project, with the first enabling works anticipated to commence construction by mid-2024.

"Construction of the main building extension works is anticipated to commence by mid next year.

"The overall hospital campus has been reviewed in the context of the need to provide new inpatient ward accommodation as part of an overall site masterplan to guide future capital development.

"A main expansion zone has been identified to the north west of the site which has the potential to accommodate new acute inpatient wards on the upper floors.

"This proposal will need to be further considered and proofed against any other foreseeable future infrastructural hospital expansion needs.

"The ward block project is currently at feasibility stage.

A capital submission including a project brief needs to be completed defining the scope of the project and the supporting business case.

"It is anticipated this would be done during 2024.

"A design team will then need to be appointed to progress the design, statutory approvals and tendering processes before any construction work can commence."