Green light for 25 new staff at Mayo Minor Injuries Unit

Ballina District Hospital received welcome news today with confirmation that approval has been granted for the immediate recruitment of 25 staff for the long-awaited Minor Injuries Unit.

Minister Dara Calleary said the go-ahead from Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill marks a major milestone for a project he has been “working long and hard on” alongside the hospital, the HSE, Minister MacNeill and former health minister Stephen Donnelly, who originally signed off on the plan prior to last year’s General Election.

Minister Calleary described the development as a huge boost for Ballina and the wider north Mayo region.

“This is going to be a huge development for the hospital, for Ballina and for North Mayo,” he said.

“It will secure the future of Ballina District Hospital, alleviate some of the pressure on the Emergency Department at Mayo University Hospital and bring a huge amount of footfall to Ballina from the wider North Mayo and West and South Sligo areas.”

He confirmed that the recruitment of the 25 staff is expected to take place in the coming week, with the Minor Injuries Unit on track to open and operate fully in early 2026.

Deputy Calleary also paid tribute to Director of Nursing Fidelma Gallagher and her team for their dedication in helping bring the project to this stage.

“This is a really exciting development for the hospital and for the town,” he added.

“I am very grateful to both former Minister Donnelly and Minister Carroll MacNeill for their support of this ambitious development.”