Hopes St Brigid's Hospital site can be brought to market in early 2026

It is hoped the St Brigid's Hospital site in Ballinasloe can be brought to the market in the first quarter of next year, more than a dozen years after it ceased to be in use.

The future of the the site was raised by Independent councillor Evelyn Parsons at the HSE Regional Health Forum, where she requested an update on the progress and current status of the site. Cllr Parsons queried progress made by the appointed agent, the position regarding sale or development plans, and how the community would be kept informed and consulted throughout the process.

The HSE confirmed that O'Donnelan and Joyce had been appointed as the sales agent and was finalising its procurement strategy, which will outline recommendations for the disposal process. Title rectification is underway with Tailte Éireann and legal work is ongoing, the HSE informed the forum.

Cllr Parsons highlighted that this represents further slippage, as it had previously been signalled that the HSE would progress disposals during 2025. In response to her questioning regarding the cause of delay, she said she was informed that it was due to the process of listing heritage and architectural details.

Cllr Parsons said this was unacceptable, stating that heritage features which have existed for decades should not now be used as a reason for further delays. She also underlined that this was a long-running concern, noting that she has been actively raising the future of St Brigid’s with the HSE since joining the council, and that councillors before her had likewise sought progress for many years.

“St Brigid’s is one of the most significant sites in our region — it cannot simply be treated as surplus property,” said Cllr Parsons. “While I welcome confirmation that progress is being made, people in Ballinasloe and East Galway have waited far too long for clarity. The community deserves to be kept informed at every stage and to have a real say in what happens next. This is not just a parcel of land. It is part of our heritage, and any decision on its future must reflect local needs — whether for housing, healthcare, community, or cultural facilities. I will continue to seek updates and press for openness so that the future of St Brigid’s is shaped with the community."

Following a fire at the grounds of the hospital in April this year, Cllr Parsons said that the risk to the public and to what remains of this historic complex was increasing.

Plans to dispose of a large portion of the land and buildings at the former St Brigid's Hospital were first revealed in 2019, but it wasn't until 2023 that the HSE sought to appoint expert property service providers to prepare open market valuations.

The massive landbank is seen as a pivotal opportunity to help revitalise Ballinasloe and to provide a platform for future growth and development. The landbank comprises of a mixture of undeveloped lands and existing buildings totalling over 31,500 sq. m (340,000 sq. ft.) and circa 91 ha (225 acres).

In 2023, the HSE indicated that intended to retain part of the lands for future development of healthcare facilities, however, the majority of the buildings and land in the central section of the former St Brigid's Psychiatric Hospital were being considered for disposal.

St Brigid’s was opened as the Connaught Asylum in 1833 with accommodation for 150 patients. St Brigid’s remained the Connaught Asylum until 1850, when it was renamed Ballinasloe District Asylum, to serve the counties of Galway and Roscommon only. New buildings were added in 1848, new wings were added in 1871 (male, east side) and 1882 (female, west side). Various alterations and additions were constructed on the complex between 1880 and 1915 including the Roman Catholic Chapel, a new dining hall and laundry, a school and farm buildings.

What is known as the new hospital, a detached H-shaped block on the eastern side of the complex, was constructed and first occupied in 1901. In 2001 the male wards at the east end of the original hospital were demolished. At that time the hospital was still in use as a long stay psychiatric hospital for 270 patients. The hospital finally closed in 2013.

A number of years ago, a workshop initiated by then TD, Denis Naughten, produced a report on potential uses for the campus, which suggested a multi-use space including, an interactive museum and heritage site, forming a global centre of excellence around this centre with research and training facilities, as well as a wellness village and trails. These would complement a commercial development and training and education facilities.

The area is identified as a regeneration site in the Ballinasloe Local Area Plan 2022-2028.