Permission sought for changes to proposed Tullamore hospital

John Flanagan Developments of Tullamore has applied to Offaly County Council for the alteration and extension of the 99-bed hospital which was granted planning permission earlier this year.

The application will increase the overall the floor space, reducing the in-patient bed space to 56 and increasing the capacity for outpatient day spaces and elective procedures. The hospital will be located on its Wellwood site next door to Tullamore Regional Hospital.

“This new proposal will further enhance the healthcare needs of the greater midlands region,” said John Flanagan, Joint Managing Director.

He said several feasibility studies on the needs of the healthcare service throughout the country had shown that the hospital would need to cater for more people as the health service continues to experience increase demands for both inpatient and outpatient services.

“Whilst our original plan was to commence building in the summer of 2023, further research into the healthcare needs both locally and nationally indicated that the increased size would allow for further supports to help address the deficit in such services in the midlands and greater midlands region.

“This is an extremely important project for the country and the development needs to be in line with our growing population and needs to recognise future demands. The hospital project and the hospital itself will provide a substantial economic boost to Tullamore and the region,” said Dominic Doheny, Joint Managing Director.

The company said the increased size would not only provide additional health services but more employment across several faculties.

Deputy Barry Cowen welcomed the new application, stating: "This is an extremely important project and it will have a major impact on the delivery of services in the region and help alleviate the backlogs.

"This facility will complement the regional hospital and I am sure it will play its part in improving the provision of health services, both public and private, across in the region.”