Gem Elliott Building contractors has completed construction work on new 29-bed ward at Our Lady of Lourdes hospital in Drogheda as part of a major phase 2 capital development at the site.

The development which has officially been opened includes additional beds, theatres and an expanded emergency department.

Fine Gael TD Fergus O'Dowd said the investment is a "significant step forward in terms of infrastructure".

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He continued: "This Government recognises very clearly the infrastructural challenges faced by many of our hospitals.

"That is why our capital spending plan for the next 10 years provides a very significant increase in capital funding for our health service – with €10.9 billion capital funding for the next ten years it will be 165% higher for the next 10 years than it was for the last 10 years.

"This is a sea-change commitment to capital investment in our health services. Project Ireland 2040 provides the funding to deliver the necessary infrastructure and equipment to support the Government's vision for a high quality, safe, accessible and sustainable healthcare system."

(CM)