Construction to commence 'immediately' on new 95-bed nursing unit in Kilkenny

Construction is due to start immediately on a new 95-bed community nursing unit at St Columba’s Hospital in Thomastown.

Cllr Deirdre Cullen has welcomed the news that construction is now imminent as a tender has been accepted and the contract for building has been awarded.

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"This is great news for residents, staff , support staff and the wider community of Thomastown and beyond," she told Kilkenny Live.

"The new building will be constructed beside the existing building which is a protected structure. The present building is not fit for purpose and we have been waiting 4 years since the green light was given in 2018.

"The staff here provide amazing support and healthcare to residents but have been doing so in a building that's not fit for purpose. The residents and staff deserve better and I'm delighted to here that finally their needs will come first."

Cllr Cullen expects that the project will be completed in 2024.

"I raised the dire need for a start date with Minister Donnelly previously and through parliamentary questions in the Dail with John McGuinness and I said that I would continue to make representations until the first sod is turned.

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"At the end of the day the residents deserve optimum quality of life and the staff and support staff need to be able to deliver this with no obstacles in their way."

The new 95 bed unit with extra accommodation for dementia residents will also help to alleviate some pressure on St Luke's and Waterford University Hospital.