The impact of the latest census figures, which indicate a population growth of 12.5 per cent in Meath, Louth, Cavan and Monaghan, will be discussed at a seminar for North Eastern Health Board members on Monday.
"This is equivalent to an extra 38,000 people, or 1½ times the size of Dundalk, as a result of which we need extra finances and resources," said health board chairman Mr Declan Breathnach.
Dr Rosaleen Corcoran, director of public health and planning with the board, will discuss the implications of the initial census figures and population trends, which also show that Meath had the largest population growth outside Dublin.
The seminar will also examine issues which have resulted in several contentious meetings where both the executive of the board and outside statutory agencies, such as Comhairle na nOspidéal, have been harshly criticised.
"We need to look again at our policies and refocus on them and make board members more aware why difficult issues have arisen in those areas, such as maternity services, Monaghan General Hospital and A&E services. Board members need to be aware that the executive is trying to implement policy but is being stymied by issues arising from outside agencies. I believe those agencies are in a time warp in relation to the north-east and its demographics," Mr Breathnach added.
If the NEHB were given the necessary funding for its planned renal care unit at the Louth County Hospital in Dundalk it would result in 1,000 bed days a year being made available at the Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, which currently provides dialysis to health board patients.
Recent decisions to suspend maternity services in Monaghan and Dundalk, as well as the recent suspension of services in Monaghan, resulted in some board members publicly criticizing the health board executive and alleging it had an agenda to downgrade or close certain hospitals.
Despite criticism from some quarters, Mr Breathnach was confident most board members were supportive of the executive.