Planning permission has been granted for a new Hospice Unit in Roscommon Town.

Mayo Roscommon Hospice has confirmed that Roscommon County Council has approved planning for an 8-bedroom palliative care centre on a site located adjacent to Roscommon University Hospital.

The approval comes just as work is nearing completion on the new 14-bed Hospice Unit in Castlebar where public tours have been taking place this week.

The Roscommon Palliative Care Unit will include in-patient and daycare facilities, day services, social work and alternative therapies.

It's hoped the €6 million project will go to tender before the end of this year.