One hub will be constructed near Sligo University Hospital, while a second will be built adjacent to Letterkenny University Hospital in Donegal. The Letterkenny facilities will also include expanded oncology services, with 30 ambulatory chemotherapy chairs.

This dual-hub approach follows earlier controversy when only Sligo was identified as the preferred location by regional HSE management. The plan was strongly opposed by Donegal-based clinicians who argued that population needs and geography justified a second hub. Their concerns led to direct engagement with the Minister and ultimately influenced the decision.

Carroll MacNeill said her final decision came only after receiving a formal business case from HSE CEO Bernard Gloster recommending both hubs. She emphasised the importance of meeting local clinicians and politicians in both regions, noting that those discussions provided valuable insight into demographic trends and evolving surgical needs.

The Sligo hub will be a stand-alone, two-theatre facility aimed at increasing elective surgery capacity and reducing waiting times. In Letterkenny, a similar two-theatre hub will be developed, designed for potential future expansion. The oncology component includes 15 new and 15 replacement chemotherapy day chairs.

HSE Regional Executive Officer Tony Canavan described the hubs as vital for addressing surgical backlogs, acknowledging that staffing them will be a challenge. However, he expressed confidence in replicating successful staffing models from similar projects elsewhere.

Local clinicians, including Dr. Pádraig McGuinness and Dr. Áine Keating, welcomed the announcement, calling it a data-driven victory for the region. They highlighted the benefit of providing care closer to home and affirmed their commitment to ensuring timely delivery of both hubs.

Each facility is expected to handle over 28,000 minor procedures and consultations annually, with operations targeted to begin within two years.