Details emerge of sites proposed for new Limerick hospital

THE DECISION on a site for a new UHL hospital facility - and a potential state-of-the-art brand new hospital - in Limerick is reportedly moving into an advanced stage, with the HSE remaining tight-lipped about where the multi-million euro project will be built.

Local TD Willie O’Dea has indicated that a preferred site has already been identified while a well-known developer is among those who have submitted proposals for a site for the extensive development.

According to multiple sources, a site between the current University Hospital Limerick (UHL) and Patrickswell appears to be the frontrunner, following a shortlist of sites drawn up to deliver the additional bed capacity and support services needed to meet the health needs of people across the Mid-West. This comes after Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill approved three recommendations from the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).

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The health watchdog recommended the provision of an extension of the UHL campus on a site near the existing UHL site in Dooradoyle (Option B); as well as developing a Model 3 hospital in the HSE Mid West, providing a second ED for the region (Option C).

According to sources, the preference locally would be that the extended UHL facility (Option B) and the new hospital (Option C) would be built on the same site in close proximity to UHL.

In response to a query from Limerick Live about the preferred location, an HSE spokesperson said the health service is “actively working to secure a suitable site” in line with HIQA recommendations.

Attempts by Limerick Live to speak to the owner of the site near Patrickswell were unsuccessful.

Other proposals in relation to possible sites for the extended UHL facility (and potential new hospital) include a masterplan drawn up by well-known local developer Ger O’Rourke of Ballykeeffe Property Developments Ltd.

Working alongside Donal Costello of Crecora, the Ballyclough man has come up with a concept for a ‘western campus’ for UHL, 700 metres from the existing campus in Dooradoyle (see below for a render).

The site, comprising 122-acres between St Nessan’s Road and Dock Road, is said to be partially zoned.

The proposal in relation to this site was submitted to council before Christmas in response to a call-out for development.

In documents to the local authority, the businessmen described their proposal as “the natural expansion” of UHL.

They have pointed to housing development around the site: 700 homes are already in walking distance, with 384 under construction.

An underground corridor is being proposed linking UHL to the new facility - which the developers claim will not interfere with residents - and they’ve stated 700 parking spaces will be provided on site if they get approval to deliver on their plan.

It’s understood the developers are willing to either sell the land to the HSE, or build the facility themselves and lease the land.

Among the selling points being claimed by the developers is the ability to bring the project in ahead of schedule, and to save money due to its close proximity in relation to UHL.

The Mungret railway line runs along the perimeter, meaning a shuttle service could potentially be put in place linking Colbert Station to the land.

When contacted about the proposals, Mr Costello stated: “We feel our site is the most suited to meet the HIQA requirements. We have faith in the process of the site assessment the HSE will do, and we believe they will make the best decision. We trust in the process.”

Last September, HIQA identified three potential options for ministerial consideration on how best to address current inpatient bed capacity deficits in the Mid-West.

The three options identified were: Option A – expand capacity at UHL on the Dooradoyle site; Option B – extend the UHL hospital campus to comprise the existing Dooradoyle site and another site, in close proximity to UHL, to support the delivery of healthcare services under a single governance; and Option C – develop a Model Three hospital in the HSE Mid West, providing a second emergency department for the region.

In December, the Health Minister received Government approval to progress with a blend of the proposed HIQA options.

Mr O’Dea said he received information from Ms Carroll MacNeill and the HSE “to inform me that as regards acquiring a site, a shortlist of sites has been drawn up and a recommendation for a particular site has been sent to HSE management”.

Mr O’Dea said he plans to push the Health Minister for answers this week.

“I expect the site will be selected over the next couple of weeks,” he said.

“It’s going to be absolutely critical. For decades, in terms of hospital beds per population, the Mid-West has lagged behind the rest of the country,” he added.