Galway University Hospital expansion must move forward without delay

Independent Ireland councillor Noel Thomas has called for urgent progress on the Galway University Hospitals Development Control Plan, warning that delays to critical infrastructure risk holding back the modernisation of the hospital for patients across the west of Ireland.

The Development Control Plan for the University Hospital Galway campus has already been adopted by the HSE and the Department of Health and sets out the future development of the hospital up to 2045.

The plan includes major investment in new hospital facilities and supporting infrastructure, including expanded inpatient capacity, improved emergency care, and the development of a permanent helipad designed to EU and global aviation safety standards. 

Councillor Thomas said the project represents a critical opportunity to deliver a modern hospital campus for the entire western region.

“University Hospital Galway is the main Model 4 hospital for the west of Ireland. Patients and staff are dealing every day with overcrowded and outdated facilities. The Development Control Plan offers a clear roadmap to address those issues and deliver the hospital infrastructure the region needs.”

The Development Control Plan includes the delivery of 300 additional inpatient beds, improved patient flow and hospital efficiency, expanded diagnostic and laboratory facilities, enhanced cancer treatment services and improved emergency response capability through permanent helipad access. 

Councillor Thomas said a new helipad is a key enabling element of the wider project.

“The current helipad is not suitable for long-term use and the hospital is already the busiest in the country for helicopter emergency landings, handling more than 200 aeromedical transfers each year. A new compliant helipad is required to support emergency services and to unlock the wider development of the hospital campus.”

The plan indicates that relocation of the helipad will be necessary to allow construction of new wards and clinical facilities, with delivery requiring cooperation between the hospital, Galway City Council and other stakeholders.

Councillor Thomas said that while the expansion of the hospital must proceed, it is also important that the concerns of local residents are respected.

“This hospital serves the entire west of Ireland and its expansion is essential. But local communities also deserve to be listened to and to see benefits from any decisions taken.”

“If land transfer is required to facilitate the new helipad, then the opportunity should also be taken to significantly upgrade the remaining park space so that the people of the area see a real improvement in local amenities.”

Councillor Thomas said the overall project has the potential to transform healthcare capacity in the region while also supporting employment and investment in Galway.

“This plan will deliver new wards, improved emergency services, better facilities for staff and researchers and a modern healthcare campus for the future. It will also create jobs and strengthen Galway’s position as the medical hub of the west of Ireland.”

“What we now need is for all stakeholders to work together so that this project can move forward without unnecessary delay.”

Councillor Noel Thomas
Independent Ireland