The HSE has confirmed that steps have begun to examine and assess a site for a new elective hospital at Merlin Park in Galway.
It is understood that a location within the existing Merlin Park site has been chosen and that the HSE is seeking companies to carry out site investigation works.
The issue was raised in the Dáil by Fianna Fáil TD for Galway West John Connolly.
He asked if the HSE has procured an architect-led design team and a project control team for the design and progression of the new elective hospital.
In a letter to Mr Connolly, the HSE said the Integrated Design Team and the Project Control Team had been appointed at the end of 2024.
The IDT is currently finalising the site option assessments at Merlin Park which will progress development of the site layout and overall plan for the selected plot.
The HSE said the IDT is "working at pace to progress the detailed design", which will inform the planning submissions, and the statutory and regulatory approvals needed to allow the proposed new hospital to go to tender and construction.
The HSE letter said this work needs to be "comprehensive" and that it "will take time". It will also involve "significant engagement with multiple stakeholders, including the local authorities".
Once the detailed design is completed, a business case will be prepared to seek the necessary funding approvals to proceed to construction.
