A second private hospital for Waterford has been given planning approval by the local city council.
Members voted unanimously at a private meeting on Monday night in favour of re-zoning land at Kilbarry on the outskirts of the city to provide the 40-bed facility.
The provision of a radiotherapy unit for cancer patients, which has long been sought in the south-east, is part of the hospital plan.
The developers, Harlequin Healthcare Holdings Ltd, say talks will take place with the Department of Health on the possibility of treating public patients.
Just weeks ago, Waterford County Council granted planning permission for a private hospital, which also proposes to provide radiotherapy, at Butlerstown North five miles outside the city.
