Senator lauds Athy hospital project

THE proposed new 92-bed hospital at St Vincent’s in Athy will benefit not just the people of the town but south Kildare and the surrounding districts. That’s according to Senator Mark Wall, who raised the project recently in the Seanad.

Planning permission was granted for the phased construction of the 92-bed community nursing unit (CNU) in August 2023 and the project is being progressed under the capital programme for 2024. The proposed new 92-bed CNU is now at stage 2C, detailed design and tender, in line with the HSE's capital projects manual and approval protocol. The approved capital budget for phase 1 of this project, the 48-bed unit, will be confirmed upon the completion of stage 2C, detailed design and tender. It is anticipated that the project could commence on site in quarter 1 of 2025, subject to the relevant approvals. Senator Wall outlined the proud history of the hospital to the town, the unrivalled level of care from the excellent staff and the importance of the hospital to the people of Athy and the pride that they take in having the hospital located in their town. “This project is so badly needed for the excellent staff and management,” he said. “Planning permission has been received. We hear from the Minister of State's reply that it is anticipated that it will commence in quarter one of 2025 subject to tender, but I stress to him and the Government that this project will benefit not just the people of Athy but the people of south Kildare and the surrounding districts.”