A €14 million development that will provide 60 extra beds at University Hospital Limerick is to get the go ahead following the withdrawal of a planning objection, according to Clare TD Joe Carey and Limerick TD Tom Neville.

The two Fine Gael TDs raised the issue in the Dáil during the week and met Minister for Health Simon Harris to discuss the project in Government buildings last Thursday.

Deputy Carey said: “I had a productive meeting with my Fine Gael colleagues, Minister Simon Harris and Deputy Tom Neville, to discuss the new project in Limerick Hospital.

“I was delighted to see common sense prevail and that the planning objection to the modular unit was withdrawn.

“This project is of critical importance to healthcare provision in the mid-west region, servicing counties Clare, Limerick and north Tipperary, as it will improve patient flow throughout the hospital, patient comfort, patient safety, privacy and patient dignity.”

Deputy Neville said: “We all recognise that University Hospital Limerick has faced capacity problems recently. The removal of all obstacles to the 60-bed block is most welcome. This is just one project to increase capacity, with another 96-bed unit also in the planning phase.

“I was great for myself and Deputy Carey to run through the project with Minister Harris. I am very optimistic about the future provision of healthcare in the mid-west region.”