Campaigners and clinicians call for urgent replacement programme for linear accelerators that are up to 18 years old
A national radiotherapy equipment replacement programme is needed to deliver timely access to cancer treatment, the Oireachtas Committee on Health has heard.
Professionals in radiation oncology joined representatives from the Irish Cancer Society in calling for urgent replacement of outdated machines used in our public hospitals to treat cancer patients.
Committee members heard how Ireland’s public healthcare system has the oldest fleet of radiotherapy machines in the EU. The country’s 23 linear accelerators are between eight and 18 years old, despite the equipment having a typical shelf life of ten years.
Professor Gerry Hanna, Marie Curie Chair of Clinical Oncology at Trinity College, told the Committee that workers are having to source parts from Egypt and other middle-income countries when linear accelerators break down because they have become so scarce elsewhere.
Prof Brendan McLean of St Lukes said the radiation oncology network recorded 1,700 hours or unplanned downtime resulting from the machine breaking down, leading to thousands of appointment cancellations.
“Countries such as Australia and Canada have implemented long-term, centrally coordinated programmes for radiotherapy equipment, improving access and reducing inefficiencies. This is not the case in Ireland,” said Irish Cancer Society Chief Operating Officer Edel Shovlin.
“Cancer patients deserve to know that when they are referred for treatment, the system will be ready. And currently, delays, breakdowns and staffing gaps are undermining confidence in the system. A national, funded programme for equipment replacement and staffing is not optional—it is the baseline for a functioning cancer service.”
Irish Medical Times previously reported that the HSE has spent more than €113 million in the last six years on paying private providers to give radiotherapy to public cancer patients.
A staffing crisis in radiation therapy and ageing hospital equipment are fuelling the need to outsource the life-saving treatment. Payments to private clinics for the essential service have spiralled in recent years, with more than €28m spent in 2025 alone.
“Radiation therapy is required by around half of all cancer patients and plays a role in curing roughly 40 per cent of cancers. But the system is failing to meet its own timelines,” said the charity’s Director of Advocacy Steve Dempsey.
“More than one in five patients did not begin treatment within the recommended 15 working days in 2025, meaning that over 1,400 people faced delays.
“These delays are being driven by ageing equipment and workforce shortages. Many of the machines used to deliver radiation therapy – linear accelerators – have exceeded their recommended 10-year lifespan. Some have been in operation for up to 18 years. This is a problem that can be solved with an ongoing commitment to properly fund infrastructure.”
The Government and HSE have promised that old machines will be replaced as part of a programme of work to take place between 2027 and 2030. However, by that time at least two linear accelerators will have been in service for 21 years, six for 19 years, two for 18 years, two for 17 years and two for 14 years.
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