The Wicklow Hospice Foundation is ready to proceed with the long-awaited 12-bed facility at the spectacular Magheramore site overlooking the sea near Brittas Bay.

The Foundation has almost reached its fundraising target of €3m (50% of the building costs required for the HSE to come on board to build and fund the Hospice) and has confirmed it is very confident that the full amount will be in place in time to proceed with the building.

The HSE has committed to including the facility in their 2014 service plan and pre-planning has been submitted to Wicklow County Council.

Daniel Day-Lewis, Patron – Wicklow Hospice Foundation, says it is essential to keep the momentum going now and to support the HSE in swiftly progressing the project so it is ready for patients as soon as possible.

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He said: "We are so grateful that the HSE will now come on board to fund the remaining 50% of the building and the running costs of the facility at the idyllic Magheramore site in its service plan for 2014.

"This could all be ready so soon. It is estimated the building will take approximately twelve months, so with building commencement next year, hopefully the first patients can enjoy the highest quality of end of life care in the Wicklow Magheramore Hospice in 2015.

"This stupendous site was already approved by the HSE in 2010 and it is not costing a cent as it was so generously donated by the Columban sisters. The Magheramore site is the quintessence of what a Hospice site should be –an ideal, tranquil place overlooking the sea and offering our loved ones a quality, dignified experience at life's end.

"Today's news is a credit to the people of Wicklow who, despite recession and hardship, have generously shared so much to ensure that their loved ones can pass their final days in this wonderful peaceful setting."

(CD/JP)