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UHG Public Consultation
Follow-up public consultation sessions in collaboration with Galway City Council, July 2026
University Hospital Galway and Galway City Council are inviting the public to participate in a follow up consultation on development plans for the hospital which will future-proof healthcare infrastructure in the region over the coming decades.
The UHG Development Control Plan represents the largest ever investment in healthcare infrastructure in the region.
To help support this ambitious plan, UHG began a programme of public engagement with the local community and stakeholders last year. The initial consultation took place over a number of weeks with two community drop-in days taking place alongside a number of targeted briefings for staff and public representatives.
The project team met with 247 people throughout these events which were a valuable opportunity for dialogue, questions, and detailed feedback. 157 feedback submissions were received online. There was a high level of overall support for the proposed plan with 45% saying they were very supportive and 24% saying they were somewhat supportive. Analysis of comments from the consultation indicated strong overall support for hospital development, driven by a shared perception that the existing facilities were outdated and inadequate for the growing population.
During our first tranche of engagement sessions, we committed to holding further public engagements in conjunction with Galway City Council. Following a meeting with local elected representatives we are pleased to invite the members of the public to attend drop-in sessions in Shantalla this week on Thursday 9th July and Friday 10th July.
These events are part of our ongoing commitment to inform all our stakeholders and local communities around the hospital. They will provide an opportunity for us to share updates on the Development Control Plan (DCP) project and plans for a permanent helipad. They will also give us an opportunity to respond to queries and gather valuable feedback from communities.
The dates for the next engagements are:
- Thursday July 9th, 1.30pm – 6.30pm. St Joseph’s Community Centre, Shantalla
- Friday July 10th 1.30pm –5pm. St Joseph’s Community Centre, Shantalla.
Online survey
The consultation is open to all. For people who cannot attend an in-person meeting we have an online survey open until the end of the month. Links are below.
University Hospital Galway (UHG) Development Control Plan (DCP) - Shantalla Park Survey –
Plean Rialaithe Forbatha (RPF) Ospidéal na hOllscoile, Gaillimh (OOG) - Suirbhé –
Welcome to the University Hospital Galway Development Control Plan Information Hub.
This page provides an easy-to-understand overview of the long-term development plans for University Hospital Galway (UHG).
It explains the vision behind the Development Control Plan (DCP), outlines the major infrastructure improvements, provides information and shares details of public engagement events. The plan guides the transformation of the UHG campus to meet healthcare needs through to the year 2045. The project includes a new, permanent helipad and state-of-the art clinical facilities. These plans require close collaboration with Galway City Council and other stakeholders.
Project Background
Galway University Hospitals, in agreement with the Department of Health and approved by the HSE Board, have adopted a Development Control Plan (DCP) for the UHG campus. This plan is designed to meet all healthcare requirements and facilities on the medical campus up to the year 2045.
To achieve this, several major infrastructure projects will be constructed over time, including the development of a permanent, fit-for-purpose helipad. The relocation of the current helipad is necessary to make way for future developments and buildings.
Successful delivery of the DCP will require close collaboration with Galway City Council and other stakeholders, particularly for planning approvals and infrastructure coordination. It will also need a wide range of community engagement to ensure local people are informed.
Why Is the Project Needed?
The development of the UHG campus is essential to address several challenges and future demands in local healthcare.
Patient volumes are increasing, and the complexity of care is growing. Existing facilities are outdated and lack the space and design needed to support modern, state-of-the-art healthcare delivery.
National and regional healthcare strategies call for the expansion and modernisation of hospital infrastructure. There is also a critical need to improve infection control and patient safety standards. Additionally, the relocation and establishment of a permanent helipad is vital to support emergency air transfers and enable further development on the campus.
Clinical Priorities
The DCP is focused on addressing key clinical needs to improve patient care and hospital operations. These priorities include:
- Ensuring dedicated capacity for both emergency and elective services
- Improving patient flows and clinical adjacencies
- Enhancing clinical dependencies and coordination
- Providing age-appropriate and speciality-specific facilities
- Futureproofing the campus for technological advancements
- Supporting staff with improved facilities and working environments
- Strengthening infection control and patient safety measures
Key Infrastructure Components
The development plan includes the construction of a wide range of new facilities to support clinical and operational excellence. These components include:
- A new main entrance
- Emergency department and floor
- Inpatient wards
- Maternity and children’s unit
- Critical care units and operating theatres
- Complex ambulatory care facilities
- Ambulatory cancer centre
- Mental health inpatient unit
- Laboratory medicine facilities
- Mortuary
- Pharmacy
- Radiology department
- Research and education centre
- Facilities management hub
- Central staff zone
- Permanent helipad
Have your say:
Our Public Engagement Process
We will be holding two drop-in sessions and invite the public to meet the project team, ask questions, and share your views. These sessions are open to everyone.
This current engagement period starts on 24 November 2025 and an online survey to capture your feedback will be open for 4 weeks.
Online Survey
Please complete the short survey below to submit your views on the development plans.
University Hospital Galway (UHG) Development Control Plan (DCP) Public Consultation - Survey
Comhairliúchán Poiblí ar Phlean Rialaithe Forbartha (PRF) Ospidéal na hOllscoile, Gaillimh - Suirbhé
Drop in sessions
- 24 November 2025 at St Joseph’s Community Centre, Shantalla from 11AM - 7PM
- 29 November 2025 at St Joseph’s Community Centre, Shantalla from 11AM - 7PM
What’s Happening Now?
The project team is currently progressing with planning and design work. Engagement with stakeholders and the local community is underway.
What Happens Next?
Following consultation with stakeholders and the community, the planning design will be submitted to Galway City Council for approval. Once approved, construction will begin in stages. Updates will be provided regularly as the project moves forward.
