The surgical hub under construction at Merlin Park will open by the end of this year with two operating theatres.
A meeting of the HSE Health Forum West has heard it will then be expanded to four theatres in 2027.
Following a question from City Councillor Shane Forde, it was confirmed that the original plan was for two theatres, but this was later doubled.
The surgical hub will take pressure off UHG, and is separate from a planned elective hospital at Merlin Park, which is progressing but still in the design stage.
Advertisement
Fine Gael Councillor Forde says the new surgical hub is a very important project for local healthcare.
