Minister Butler announces biggest ever capital investment in mental health for 2025
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From: Department of Health
- Published on: 9 April 2025
- Last updated on: 12 April 2025
- new facilities to be progressed at Roscommon University Hospital; Mater Misericordia University Hospital; Naas General Hospital; St. James’s Hospital; University Hospital Waterford and Mercy University Hospital, Cork
- Specialist Eating Disorders Hub to be commissioned at Mount Carmel Hospital, Dublin
- multi-annual mental health capital plan currently in preparation
Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler has today announced a significant €31 million capital investment for mental health in 2025.
This is the largest ever one-year allocation for mental health infrastructure and forms part of the government’s broader commitment to delivering modern, fit-for-purpose mental health facilities. It will also ensure the development of facilities so that patients can access high-quality services in communities across Ireland.
Minister Butler said:
“This €31 million investment reaffirms our commitment to delivering improved mental health services in line with Sharing the Vision, our national mental health policy. This is the biggest ever investment in mental health infrastructure in a single year. I am confident that our ongoing investment will allow us to continue to upgrade and develop new vital infrastructure, which in turn will ensure people experiencing mental ill-health can access services in safe, therapeutic and recovery-focused environments.”
A range of projects in acute mental health, community services and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and specialist services such as Eating Disorders, are being progressed in 2025. Full details are available in the Health Capital Plan 2025. These include:
- major redevelopment of Adult Acute and Psychiatry of Later Life Units across the country
- continued progress on facilities for CAMHS and community mental health services, within the provision of Primary Care Centres
- ensuring the new Specialist Eating Disorders Hub at Mount Carmel Hospital in Dublin is commissioned and begins service
- beginning the necessary feasibility and preparatory studies for Ireland’s first Mother & Baby Perinatal Mental Health Unit to be co-located with the new National Maternity Hospital
Minister Butler continued:
“We are placing a strong emphasis on improving the physical infrastructure and conditions for patients and staff alike. Re-development projects and continued investment in upgrading facilities will ensure that treatment is delivered in the most appropriate settings.”
The 2025 capital plan will also fund:
- essential fire safety and ligature reduction works across inpatient units
- ongoing minor capital grants to support community mental health teams and voluntary mental health organisations
Minister Butler concluded:
“These capital investments are vital to the transformation of our mental health services and to ensuring that all people can receive care in the right place, at the right time, and in the right setting. I am proud this government is able to continue to deliver record funding to strengthen our mental health services and support the wellbeing of individuals and communities.”