Construction on long-awaited €25m. investment at Mayo hospital is welcomed
Minister of State Alan Dillon has welcomed the commencement of construction on the major expansion of the emergency department and acute medical assessment unit at Mayo University Hospital.
He said latest confirmation represents a major breakthrough for the project, with a €24.93 million construction contract, excluding VAT, formally awarded by the HSE to Carey Building Contractors.
Site clearance and preparation works are now under way, moving this long-awaited development firmly from planning into delivery.
Minister Dillon said: “This is a genuine breakthrough for the expansion and development of emergency care in Mayo. The project is now funded, contracted and moving into construction.
“The award of an almost €25 million construction contract demonstrates the scale of this investment in Mayo University Hospital and provides the certainty and momentum needed to deliver this vital development.”
The project will be delivered across five phases over 36 months.
The first phase involves constructing the new emergency department and acute medical assessment unit, followed by a new external ambulance set-down area and parking facilities.
The remaining phases will involve the comprehensive refurbishment of the existing emergency department.
The main works will include new accommodation across three floors, together with approximately 605 square metres of refurbishment across two floors.
The current estimated programme provides for Phase 1 to be completed during Q2/Q3 2028, Phase 2 in Q3 2028 and Phases 3 to 5 by Q4 2029.
Once completed, the expanded ED and AMAU will provide 45 treatment and examination spaces, including triage rooms and four fully compliant resuscitation rooms, one of which will be dedicated to paediatric emergencies.
The development will also include a fully segregated paediatric department and modern supporting facilities, including clean and dirty utility rooms, storage areas, improved waiting spaces and accessible toilet facilities.
Minister Dillon continued: “This new facility will transform the delivery of emergency care at Mayo University Hospital.
"It will provide greater capacity, improve patient flow and create a safer, more modern working environment for the hospital’s dedicated staff.
‘The fully segregated paediatric facilities will be particularly important, ensuring that children and their families can receive emergency treatment in an appropriate and purpose-built environment.”
Minister Dillon, who has continuously campaigned and worked to expand the hospital’s emergency department, said the commencement of construction marked the huge milestone and a culmination of sustained engagement over the past few years.
“Patients, families and hospital staff have waited a long time for this development. Having consistently raised and progressed the need for a modern emergency department. I am delighted that we have now reached the construction stage.
"This is no longer simply a proposal on paper. It is a major investment being delivered, and it will make a real and lasting difference to healthcare in Mayo and across the wider region.”
Minister Dillon confirmed that he will maintain ongoing engagement with the HSE throughout construction to monitor progress, minimise disruption to existing hospital services and ensure the project remains on schedule.
In a statement, Minister Dara Calleary said: “I am very pleased to have received confirmation from the general manager of MUH that contractors are now onsite and the redevelopment of the ED has now begun in earnest.
"This will be a three- year build with extension and refurbishment works planned. It is long overdue and I am very pleased that the project is now off the ground.
"This positive development, coupled with the opening of the Ballina Minor Injuries Unit in October of this year, will alleviate the pressures that ED staff have being working under and will provide an ED service that is more efficient and understanding to patient’s needs.
“I am particularly delighted that the Minor Injuries Unit in Ballina, a project that I have spearheaded since 2024, will be open and operational by the end of October.
"This is a huge addition to the healthcare service of Ballina, North Mayo and the entire county. It will greatly assist in alleviating pressure on the ED at MUH while adding immensely to Ballina and the wider region,” he said.