The Government has committed to the development of a new hospice in Drogheda, Fine Gael TD Paula Butterly has confirmed.
The HSE has identified the project as a strategic goal and priority, with plans to develop a 36 bed Specialist Palliative Care Unit to serve communities across Louth and Meath. The proposed facility aligns with the Department of Health’s National Adult Palliative Care Policy 2024, the HSE Development Framework for Palliative Care published in 2017, and the HSE Capital Plan 2025.
The hospice will be delivered through a partnership between the HSE and the Newgrange Hospice Foundation, a registered charity. Under this arrangement, construction costs for the new facility will be covered by the charity and its donors, while the HSE will fund the fit out and the ongoing operating costs, including staff pay and non-pay expenses.
Deputy Butterly welcomed the announcement, describing it as a significant step forward for the region.
She said she has been engaging with the Minister for Health on the issue for some time and that a dedicated palliative care centre has been urgently needed for Louth and east Meath. She added that the commitment represents real progress in ensuring compassionate and high quality end of life care for people when they need it most.
Deputy Butterly also said she will continue to work closely with the Minister as the project moves through the next stages, to help ensure it is delivered as quickly as possible and with careful consideration for patients, families and staff.
According to the proposed timeline, the tender process is expected to be published in the first quarter of 2026. Construction is anticipated to begin in the second quarter of 2026 and continue through to the second quarter of 2028. The aim is for the new Drogheda hospice to open and begin admitting patients in the final quarter of 2028.
Once operational, the Drogheda Hospice will be under HSE governance and will provide integrated specialist palliative care services for patients across the north east, supporting individuals and families at a critical time in their lives.
