O’Shea Welcomes Publication of HSE Capital Plan 2026 with Major Investment Across Cork North West

Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea has welcomed the publication of the HSE Capital Plan 2026, describing it as a significant and ambitious investment in healthcare infrastructure that will deliver tangible improvements for patients and healthcare staff across Cork North West and the wider Cork region.

Deputy O’Shea said “The publication of the HSE Capital Plan for 2026 represents a strong commitment to strengthening our health services locally and nationally. I am particularly pleased to see substantial allocations for projects that will directly benefit communities across Cork North West, including Mallow, Kanturk, Millstreet and beyond.”

Mallow General Hospital

Deputy O’Shea highlighted major investment in Mallow General Hospital, including €3.3m for the provision of an 24 bed inpatient ward and the fit-out of existing ground floor shell and core space to provide an Outpatient/Day Clinic ward, including clinical rooms and additional capacity to support the establishment and operation of an Obesity/Bariatric Clinic.

“This investment in Mallow General Hospital is critically important. Expanding inpatient and outpatient capacity, alongside the development of specialist services such as an Obesity and Bariatric Clinic, will enhance local access to care and reduce pressure on larger acute hospitals.”

Ambulance Services and Emergency Infrastructure

Deputy O’Shea also welcomed key developments for ambulance services, including the allocation of €1.68m for the development of a new Ambulance Base for Mallow at Mount Alvernia Hospital, Newberry, Mallow. Deputy O’Shea said “The investment in ambulance bases and training facilities is essential to ensure faster response times and enhanced emergency care for people across Cork. Strengthening our National Ambulance Service infrastructure will directly improve patient outcomes.”

St. Joseph’s Community Hospital, Millstreet

Deputy O’Shea particularly welcomed the allocation of €1.6m for the continued refurbishment and extension of the Community Nursing Unit at St. Joseph’s Community Hospital, Millstreet. “This is very positive news for Millstreet and the wider hinterland. Upgrading and extending older persons’ services will ensure that residents can access high-quality, modern care in their own community.”

St. Stephen’s Hospital and Mental Health Services

Significant allocations were also confirmed for St. Stephen’s Hospital, including an allocation of €2.2m for the replacement of the Mental Health Unit on the Campus. €1.2m has been allocated for reconfiguration works to create additional beds and associated facilities for the Mental Health services.

A further €2m has been allocated to advance the new Elective Hospital.

Deputy O’Shea said “These investments at St. Stephen’s Hospital are particularly important in addressing mental health service capacity and expanding elective treatment services. Modern facilities will provide safer, more therapeutic environments for patients and better working conditions for staff.”

Surgical Hub and Acute Capacity at CUH and Mercy University Hospital

Deputy O’Shea also welcomed allocations aimed at expanding acute and surgical capacity in Cork, including:

• Over €34m for the development of the new Elective Treatment Centre (Surgical Hub) at CUH which will include 4 X new operating theatres and 2 X Minor Procedures Room and associated works

• Provision for opening two additional endoscopy rooms at Mercy University Hospital (€1.4m).

• Bed capacity expansion works at Mercy University Hospital under the Acute Inpatient Bed Capacity Expansion Plan (€785k).

• Refurbishment and upgrade of St. Michael’s Ward at Mercy (€1.3m).

• Appraisal works for the Acute Ward Tower Block at Mercy (€842k).

“These projects will play a crucial role in tackling waiting lists and improving access to planned procedures. The development of additional endoscopy rooms, expanded bed capacity and the surgical hub model are vital steps towards delivering timely care for patients.”

Community and Long-Term Care Facilities

The Capital Plan also includes major investment in community and long-term care infrastructure across Cork, including:

• 50-bed replacement Community Nursing Unit in Midleton (handover Q1 2026).

• 10-bed Community Rehabilitation Residence at Owenacurra, Midleton (€4.3m).

• Refurbishment and extension of St. Patrick’s Community Hospital, Fermoy (€4.5m).

• New Residential Facility at St. Raphael’s Centre, Youghal (€8.4m).

• Mental Health Unit development at St. Finbarr’s Hospital (€842k).

• Relocation of the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (Barnahus South) at St. Mary’s Health Campus (€1.4m).

• Replacement of roof infrastructure at South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital (€280k).

Deputy O’Shea concluded “With a total allocation of over €111m under the 2026 Capital Plan, this represents a very substantial investment in Cork’s healthcare infrastructure. These projects will enhance acute capacity, strengthen community and older persons’ services, modernise mental health facilities and improve emergency response capability.

“I will continue to work closely with the HSE and the Department of Health to ensure that these projects progress without delay and that Cork North West and the wider Cork region receive the healthcare infrastructure our growing population needs and deserves.”