The Health Service Executives capital plan for 2026 has been published setting out how around €1.3 billion in funding for health infrastructure, equipment and furnishing will be spent this year.
It provides for a further €97m towards the completion of the National Children's Hospital at the St James's Hospital Campus and €67m to progress the relocation of the National Maternity Hospital at the St Vincent's University Hospital campus.
Around 143 more acute beds are to be constructed along with 415 community beds.
€34m will go towards expanding and maintaining the national ambulance fleet.
A provision of €263m is made towards the HSE Digital for Care Capital Plan this year.
Labour Health Spokesperson, deputy Marie Sherlock said there was stagnant funding and ambition in the HSE capital plan, with a €14m cut in funding.
She also said there was a "snail's pace" bed plan not delivering the capacity required in the health service, with just 143 acute beds to be completed this year.
Deputy Sherlock added that the HSE simply cannot deliver electronic health records, a new maternity hospital, and enhanced maternity care, plus the necessary acute beds to deal with overcrowding and demand.
