It's claimed the new Emergency Department at University Hospital Limerick may not be open until late next year.
The the claim from the INMO's Midwest representative Mary Fogarty's comes despite UL Hospital's Group target of having it up and running in the first quarter of 2017.
It's hoped the new department in Dooradoyle will help ease the overcrowding that has plagued University Hospital Limerick.
UL Hospital Group plan to have the ED open the first three months of 2017.
However, the INMO's Midwest representative has cast doubt on that timescale.
Mary Fogarty believes staffing in the new facility may be a problem.
A Clare TD says any delay in opening the new ED would be unacceptable.
Joe Carey says it's imperative that its up and running as soon as possible.
Clare FM has sought comment from the UL Hospital's Group on the matter and is awaiting a response.
Meanwhile, trolley numbers are the highest in the country in Dooradoyle once again today, with 43 people waiting for beds there.
Yesterday a UL Hospitals Group statement said UHL has been experiencing a high volume of patients attending over the past number of days which is leading to delays.
