A "state of the art" catherisation laboratory will be in operation at University Hospital Waterford from next week, according to a local TD.
The existing cath lab has been closed for refurbishment work since February and patients were required to travel to private facilities for procedures.
Speaking on Deise Today, Independent TD Matt Shanahan says the facility is "brand new" and he welcomed the fact that clinical procedures would resume from Tuesday.
Regarding the second lab, Deputy Shanahan said it was likely that work on the facility won't begin until next spring.
While surveying work for the second lab has been underway at UHW this week, a new procurement process means another delay. Matt Shanahan said he has asked for the procurement process, which has changed as a result of the overrun on the Children's Hospital, to be speeded up:
"I can't see why it should take four months to approve an approval. I'm hoping something can get done, but it is on track, the capital is there for it and it is going ahead."
Deputy Shanahan said he had met with the Taoiseach over the issue and the latest information he had was that a tender would be issued in December with work beginning in quarter one next year.
"Every week we delay it has a knock on effect on service distribution and waiting lists," he said.
