The Department of Health has confirmed that money has been allocated for the design and planning this year of major improvements to Sligo University Hospital.
In response to a query from Ocean FM News, the department says the project includes a replacement ward block, a theatre department and emergency department.
The department did not specify the amount allocated.
The project was announced by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in a speech in Sligo last Friday during the launch of the government’s ‘Ireland 2040’ plan.
With money for just design and planning allocated for this year, the project would then have to go to tender, which means it will be some time before actual construction work begins.
It was one of the few completely new announcements made during the government’s high-profile event in Sligo last Friday, which was attended by the entire cabinet
