Minister Dillon officially opens new €4.5 million Mayo diagnostic imaging centre
Minister of State Alan Dillon has officially opened Alliance Medical’s new €4.5 million Diagnostic Imaging Centre in Castlebar.
The purpose-built facility has created 11 local jobs, with employment expected to rise to 20 in the coming years, and provides MRI, CT, ultrasound and X-ray services under one roof.
The centre will expand access to diagnostic imaging in Mayo, reduce the need for patients to travel to Galway or further afield for routine appointments, and support earlier diagnosis and clinical decision-making.
Speaking at the official opening, Minister Dillon said: “This is a very positive day for Castlebar and Mayo. For patients and families, the benefits are practical and important: less travel, better local access to scans and the potential to receive vital medical answers sooner.
“Travelling outside the county for an appointment can mean taking time off work, arranging childcare, finding transport and meeting additional costs, all at an already worrying time.
“This new centre brings advanced diagnostic services closer to home while delivering a significant €4.5 million investment in Castlebar and creating 11 high-quality local jobs, with further employment planned in the coming years.
“I have worked closely with the Alliance Medical leadership team on this project, including Mayo and Achill native Helen Calvey, and I thank the entire team for their vision, commitment and confidence in Castlebar and Mayo.”
The centre is staffed by experienced radiographers and a patient-focused administration team. Scans are reported by Ireland-based, RCSI-accredited consultant radiologists.
Minister Dillon added: “A scan is often the gateway to treatment, specialist care, rehabilitation or reassurance. By providing additional diagnostic capacity locally, this centre can help alleviate pressure on HSE services and support shorter waiting times, delivering the outcome patients and families need: fewer unnecessary journeys, earlier answers and better care across Mayo.
“I congratulate the Alliance Medical team, and everyone involved in delivering this important new facility for Castlebar.”