The HSE has put the new 50 bed unit extension for Portiuncula hospital out to tender.
The unit for Portiuncula Hospital has been in the works since 2012 with planning permission granted in August 2016.
The project was given the go-ahead again in recent years following a meeting with the then Minister for Health Simon Harris in September of 2019.
Local Fianna Fail councillor Michael Connolly says the fact the major extension is finally going to tender is very positive for the future of the hospital and its service: