Work on the second cath lab in Waterford has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

That’s according to the Irish Independent which has today published a briefing it says the Department of Health did not intend to make public,

Redacted sections of a 209-page briefing intended for health Minister Stephen Donnelly show the challenges ahead including fears patient waiting lists will spiral by as much as 130pc.

The briefing says work on a second cath lab for University Hospital Waterford has been delayed due to Covid-19.

It says the project was due to go to tender in July, with an October start date for the construction which could take up to a year.

It also warns that a further €1bn in extra funding could be needed to fight the Cornoavirus.