HSE 'awaiting response' on Offaly Hospice repayment

By Rebekah O'Reilly

The HSE has said it is awaiting a formal response from Offaly Hospice Foundation regarding correspondence sent about costs incurred on the original proposed site for the Midlands Hospice.

In a statement issued on Friday, January 23, the HSE said it “acknowledges and recognises the significant work of Offaly Hospice in progressing the Midland Hospice project, along with the contribution of all voluntary and community groups across the Midlands region, including Hooves-4-Hospice”.

The health authority confirmed that it met with representatives of Offaly Hospice on November 15, 2025, and said it subsequently wrote to the organisation on December 24, 2025, outlining the matters discussed and proposed next steps.

"To date, the HSE has not received a formal response addressing the contents of that correspondence.

A further letter issued on 15 January 2026, and the HSE is awaiting a response.

The HSE remains open and committed to constructive engagement with Offaly Hospice," it said.

The statement follows concerns raised at a recent meeting of Offaly County Council, where councillors said the local community has been left “hurt” by what they said were delays in the payment of costs incurred by Offaly Hospice Foundation.

At the meeting, referring to work undertaken by Offaly Hospice on plans for the Midlands Hospice on the grounds of the Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore, Cllr Fergus McDonnell said:

"Offaly Hospice has expended €312,000 on that site, which the HSE have promised to repay."