Taoiseach turns sod on new state-of-the-art private hospital in Limerick

TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar has turned the sod on a new €190 million state-of-the-art private hospital in Limerick.

The Bon Secours hospital in Ballysimon is set to open in 2025 and create 250 new jobs. 

Part of a wider €300 million national investment by Bon Secours Health System, the Limerick hospital expects to be able to treat more than 50,000 patients annually through a wide range of services and technologically advanced care offered by the new facilities.

Turning the sod for the development in Limerick, the Taoiseach said: "This is an extremely welcome healthcare development for the Limerick and Mid-West region. 

"In addition to creating 250 new high-skilled jobs, 150 additional hospital beds are being provided, to add to the 96 new beds being provided at UHL."

Mr Varadkar continued: "It will greatly expand the quality of health services on offer to people living and working in the Mid-West. This hospital will be used by private patients who are insured and public patients funded by Government.

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"I am confident that there can be good co-operation and integration of all healthcare in the region; public, private, hospital and community as envisaged by the Sláintecare Plan. 

"I am honoured to turn the first sod for this new hospital."

Some of the key features at the new facility will include: 75 inpatient beds, four operating theatres, dedicated Ophthalmology Unit, radiology department and a 20-bay Day Surgical Unit.

Bon Secours Health System Group Chief Executive, Bill Maher, added: "This new facility will transform day-care surgical and oncology treatments available in Limerick, provide new services such as general medicine, a new cath lab and cardiology, and widen patient-centred services to a growing local population."

Rudi Butler, Chairman at Kirkland Investments, said: "The delivery of this 150-bed private hospital has been a collaborative approach for all key stakeholders involved, including the Bon Secours Health System, Limerick City & County Council and Kirkland Investments, who are all working together to ensure the delivery of this much needed private hospital.

"In conjunction with the adjacent secondary school, currently under construction, Towlerton will create a new sustainable, urban neighbourhood, of which Limerick can be very proud. 

"The development of Towlerton and planned further investment from Kirkland is a huge vote of confidence for Limerick and the Mid-West."

This hospital is being built on a sustainable site with access to public transport, provision for EV parking and facilities for cyclists.