I welcome the very substantial funding of almost €24 million in the Capital Budget of the Department of Health for healthcare projects in Cavan/Monaghan in 2026.

This funding is providing €8 million for construction at St Christopher’s Hospice where building works are underway. €10 million is also being provided to progress further the major building project at Cavan General Hospital including an Emergency Department, Endoscopy Unit and 56 additional beds.

Design work will also continue in relation to the provision of new and additional Oncology Unit accommodation and also the upgrade of the Pharmacy and Aseptic Unit.

€2.5 million has also been allocated to enable the provision of a new ECC Hub to provide a base for an Integrated Care Programme for Older Persons and an ICP for the Prevention and Management of Chronic Disease.

I have consistently raised with the Minister for Health and the HSE the need to progress these local healthcare projects and I am glad that this funding will lead to much improved facilities locally which will be beneficial for patients accessing services and also the staff providing this healthcare, sometimes in inadequate accommodation. Modern facilities provide great benefits for patients and are also essential for healthcare staff in their work. This investment will benefit patients throughout Cavan and Monaghan .