Work starts on local hospital extension plan

The start of works on a €12m extension to the emergency department at Portiuncula University Hospital in Ballinasloe has been welcomed by Roscommon–Galway TD, Martin Daly.

Approval for the emergency department extension was granted by Galway County Council in December 2025, with the Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Health and Disability stating that the development, when complete, will "improve the patient and staff experience at Portiuncula University Hospital".

The TD referenced the many changes incorporated into the new emergency department extension, including additional patient treatment bays, a dedicated gynaecology unit, a segregated and secure paediatric unit and new toilet facilities.

The completed development will consist of a new 310m² single story extension to the existing emergency department with a rooftop plant room and internal refurbishment of the existing department, while nine new treatment bays and a new gynaecology treatment room have been incorporated into the approved plans.

As part of the development, the existing emergency department will undergo a series of phased internal refurbishment works to provide additional patient treatment cubicles, a reconfigured storage and staff support facilities and modernised staff changing facilities.

The extension will also link into the existing building by way of a new accessible reception, leading to a newly formed dedicated paediatric waiting area and toilet facilities to improve segregation of paediatrics in the department.

At the existing lower ground floor level, a new public entrance lobby with security room will be formed adjacent to a reconfigured ambulance drop-off and set-down area.

The works will also include a reconfiguration of the existing internal campus two-way traffic flow to become a one-way traffic flow in the vicinity of the Emergency Department extension, formation of a new accessible set-down area, reconfigured ambulance drop-off areas and works to form a new pedestrian crossing and improve accessibility and safety around the immediate site.

The Roscommon-Galway elected representative said the HSE investment is a "vote of confidence" in Portiuncula University Hospital.