The second cath lab at University Hospital Waterford has been granted planning permission by Waterford City and County Council.
The development will consist of a two-storey extension to the existing hospital, and include a specialist procedures room, a preparation and recovery room, diagnostic facilities and ancillary accommodation.
It's expected construction will begin in the next two to three months.
Fine Gael Councillor John Cummins says recruitment for an additional two cardiologists at UHW will take place next week, which should allow the service to expand to weekend cover:
"One to fill the newly vacated post and the second one is a fourth and new post. That hopefully is going to allow the service to expand to an 8am to 8pm service, 7 days a weeks. It's not 24/7 yet but obviously with the second cath lab coming on stream, and then the recruitment of the fifth Interventional Cardiologist, it will allow the service to expand so it is a positive step forward."
