Sod turned on Mayo's €20m. Sunflower Children’s Hospice at Castlebar site

Construction work on the new Sunflower Children’s Hospice at Moneen, Castlebar, will get underway in the coming weeks.

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has this morning turned the sod for the major project which is scheduled to be completed in 2029.

The eight-bedroom building is being developed by the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation and will provide dedicated specialist support to young people with life-limiting conditions across the western region.

A sum of €9 million has already been raised towards the overall costs of €20 million.

Covering an area of 3,300 square metres, the hospice has been designed in consultation with families and clinicians.

When fully operational, staff costs will be borne by the State.

Speaking on RTÉ Radio One, Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation CEO Martina Jennings said the hospice is being developed so children will not be forgotten.

"This is a landmark project and it's life changing for families," she added.