Last year, health watchdog Hiqa warned the Government of serious risks to patient safety at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) linked to severe overcrowding, following the death of Clare teenager Aoife Johnston.

Hiqa had proposed to expand existing services, extend UHL care to a nearby site with shared management, and to build a new hospital at Model 3 level with an additional emergency department.

Health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said the agreed chair for Midwest health services "will be excellent". In response to Labour health spokeswoman Marie Sherlock, the minister told her that a regional plan is needed.

“Overwhelmingly, the focus in the Midwest has been on Limerick, which I understand. However, proper community care and proper integrated care require a focus on Nenagh and Ennis as well,” she said.

Ms Sherlock had queried delays in appointing the board, as plans for this were announced in March. The minister intends to meet with the HSE Midwest patient council before finalising the board membership.

“Thereafter, we will appoint a board to do that work,” Ms Carroll MacNeill said. “That will begin over the summer, but it will begin structurally in a very detailed way thereafter. I have a little bit more work to do on that.” 

Ms Sherlock told the Irish Examiner that people need to have confidence that the project is moving ahead.

She said: “There had been a commitment with regard to an initial report this September, which does not look likely now, but nonetheless, we have to see the board formed as soon as possible.

“The minister’s operational concerns about Ennis and Nenagh must not hold up this vital capital infrastructure project.” 

A spokesman for HSE Midwest said: “We note the intention of the minister to appoint a board to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for the delivery of services as set out in the Hiqa report.

“The purchase of a 44-acre site at Raheen, Limerick, announced in March 2026, will be instrumental in delivering these plans."

UHL is continuing to expand, he said, with a contract signed this week with John Sisk & Son to develop another 96-bed inpatient block there.

In relation to the Raheen site, a spokesman for Limerick City and County Council said: “Limerick City and County Council remains committed to working with the HSE, the Department of Health, and all relevant stakeholders to support the delivery of this project.” 

Developer's offer

Earlier this week, Whitebox Development made a presentation to councillors on its ongoing construction at the separate Ballygrennan regeneration grounds. 

It also presented the potential for building a public hospital at this site.

The council spokesman said: “Whitebox Developments currently have no proposals before Limerick City and County Council relating to the expansion of their work at the Ballygrennan regeneration site.” 

The HSE Midwest spokesman said in reference to this issue: “HSE Midwest is aware of but not currently engaged with these plans.”

A Department of Health spokesman said: "It would not be appropriate to identify the chair in isolation before the rest of the Board is in place to undertake this important work."