Tender for Buncrana Community Hospital upgrade published

100% Redress Councillor Joy Beard said the announcement marks a significant milestone for the project, coming after years of delays, revised timelines and ‘growing frustration’ within the community.

The confirmation follows communication received by the HSE to Councillor Beard late on Wednesday evening advising that the tender, which had previously been expected to issue on June 30, had still not been published. However, the HSE has now confirmed that the tender has officially been released.

Councillor Beard said: "This is the news that residents, their families, staff and the wider community have been waiting a long time to hear. After years of delays and disappointment, I am delighted that the tender has finally been published.”

"People have been incredibly patient. Time and again we have been told the project was progressing, only for timelines to slip. While today's announcement is very welcome, everyone now wants to see this project move from plans and paperwork to construction."

Councillor Beard said the publication of the tender represents a major step forward but stressed that momentum must now be maintained.

"Publishing the tender is a milestone, but it is not the end of the process. 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.

Councillor Beard paid tribute to everyone who has continued to campaign for the project over many years.

"I want to thank the residents, families, staff and everyone in the wider community who never gave up advocating for this much-needed investment. Their voices have helped keep this project firmly on the agenda.

"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."

Donegal Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue described the renovation and upgrade of the hospital as “an essential project for Buncrana and Inishowen”.

Minister McConalogue said the project 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: “The tendering process is expected to take six to eight weeks, and the objective is to see the project begin in earnest soon after.

“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 live tender stage,” he added.

“It is imperative that this project is completed in the fastest timeframe possible and that the beds are opened and available to the local community. I was glad to work with my party colleague, Colr Fionán Bradley, to ensure that this vital development was progressed, and I would like to acknowledge the local advocacy of community representatives, who have been to the fore in ensuring that this crucial project for Buncrana gets started and completed as soon as possible.

“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,” Minister of State McConalogue said.