Major Upgrades Planned for Donegal Health Facilities by 2026

Significant enhancements to healthcare facilities across Donegal are set to take place over the next few years, with a total of 27 major projects aimed at expanding capacity and improving services. The initiative is part of a broader effort to upgrade health infrastructure throughout the region, with completion timelines stretching into 2026.

Several key projects are slated for completion in 2026, including the Letterkenny Community Nursing Unit, which is expected to be finished by the third quarter of the year. The Falcarragh Community Nursing Unit will undergo a refurbishment of its 35-bed capacity, anticipated to be completed in early 2026. Additionally, refurbishment work on the Buncrana Community Nursing Unit is scheduled to commence in the same quarter.

Design work for a new ambulance base in Buncrana is also on the horizon, with renovations planned for an existing Health Service Executive (HSE) health centre located on McGinn Avenue. The development of a 25-bed Community Nursing Unit in Lifford and a new Primary Care Centre is expected to enter the design phase during 2026, pending negotiations for the site acquisition from Donegal County Council.

Major Infrastructure Developments

The expansion of the Donegal Hospice is another priority, with detailed design work expected to be completed next year. Construction on new suites is projected to begin by the end of 2026. Furthermore, the Development Control Plan for Letterkenny University Hospital will be finalized in the first quarter of 2026. This comprehensive plan includes provisions for ambulatory care, oncology services, and a new surgical hub, all of which received approval in July 2025.

With anticipated minor capital expenditure exceeding €4.5 million in 2025, the HSE indicates that Donegal’s healthcare infrastructure is receiving substantial investment. Councillor Ciaran Brogan expressed appreciation for the ongoing efforts at the Regional Health Forum, emphasizing the critical timeline for the Development Control Plan at Letterkenny University Hospital. He also voiced satisfaction with the progress on the Community Nursing Unit and the Primary Care Centre in Lifford.

St Conal’s Hospital campus in Letterkenny will also see continued investment throughout 2026. Plans include redeveloping the facility to establish a permanent administrative hub, allowing all administrative services to relocate from the main St Conal’s building, which will then undergo refurbishment. The project is currently in the options appraisal stage, with the potential for Tusla to also relocate to this administrative hub.

Another pivotal development is the new Enhanced Community Care (ECC) hub, which will span 2,824 square metres on the Letterkenny Campus. This hub is designed to provide integrated care for older adults, chronic disease management, and diagnostic facilities. A design team is expected to be appointed by mid-2026.

In addition to these projects, plans are underway for a 200-square metre extension to the existing Chronic Disease Management Hub at St Conal’s, which is set to go to tender in 2026. Meanwhile, construction is expected to start on an extension of the renal unit at Letterkenny University Hospital by the end of next year, which will increase its capacity from 14 to 21 patients.

Several community-based projects are also moving forward, including initiatives at the Old Girl’s School in Carndonagh, Ballinacor in Killygordon, and Cavan Lower and Mol an Oige in Stranorlar. A planning decision is anticipated in December 2025 regarding the purchase and refurbishment of a residential dwelling in Tiernaleague, Carndonagh, aimed at accommodating four residents. Work continues on the refurbishment of the Ramelton Community Nursing Unit, further enhancing local healthcare services.

As these projects progress, the comprehensive upgrades across Donegal’s healthcare facilities reflect a significant commitment to improving health services and capacity for the region’s residents.