University Hospital Galway is moving into the design and construction phase of a major redevelopment to modernise hospital services in the west and north-west of Ireland.
The hospital’s Development Control Plan sets out a long-term vision to redevelop the estate through to 2045, including more inpatient beds, new clinical facilities and supporting infrastructure for emergency and specialist care.
To deliver the redevelopment, a Major Projects Design Team Framework has been established.
Tenders for design teams have been returned and are under review, with appointments expected in Q2 2026.
The teams will include architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, and other specialists to guide the detailed design and construction of the new facilities.
Cullen Payne Architects has already contributed to the DCP and functional design plans for the campus.
The first phase includes a new inpatient building, with 150 beds and expanded radiology.
A second building will follow, adding another 150 beds, including maternity services.
A new permanent helipad is also planned to improve emergency patient transfers.
Meanwhile, at Merlin Park University Hospital, a new surgical hub is already under construction.
It will include four operating theatres and two minor-op procedure rooms and will handle elective surgeries.
Together with UHG, the approach will improve patient flow and maximise capacity across both campuses.
Public consultation shows support for redevelopment
Prior to the beginning of construction, a public consultation was launched, which received 157 submissions.
Out of the submissions, 45% of respondents were “very supportive” and 24% were “somewhat supportive” of the plans.
Respondents welcomed the expanded emergency, critical care, and outpatient services, along with the helipad and other enabling infrastructure.
“We are investing in this hospital for the benefit of our communities and it is so important that the same communities are involved in the planning and design process…this feedback will inform the next stages of the project,” said Chris Kane, Manager at University Hospital Galway.