HSE West and North West was €24.3 million over its allocated funding at the end of the first quarter of 2026, the Regional Health Forum has been told.
The figure was provided in response to questions on spending controls, including a query from Cllr Valerie Duffy on reports of HSE spending cuts and new controls on recruitment and spending.
The HSE said the Regional Health Authority HSE West and North West has a 2026 Department of Health funded budget of €2.541 billion for the provision of acute and community services.
At the end of Quarter 1, covering January 1st to March 31st, year-to-date expenditure exceeded allocated funding by €24.3 million, representing a 3.9% overrun.
The HSE said additional controls are being introduced for the remainder of 2026 to reduce dependence on agency staff in the delivery of services.
It also said all non-pay expenditure has been reviewed and that a savings plan is being implemented to ensure spending remains within current allocated funding.
Income collection will also continue to be a priority in the region, with plans to improve collection rates due to be implemented.
