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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 31 Jan 1934

Vol. 50 No. 6

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Roscommon Hospital Site.

asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that the site chosen for the new hospital in Roscommon adjoins the local cemetery; and whether sanction has been given for such a location for a hospital.

The reply to each part of the question is in the affirmative.

The proximity of the site to the cemetery was fully considered but was held not to constitute a serious objection. The cemetery will be at the rere of the hospital buildings and will be effectively screened from view by the existing hedge and plantation. Furthermore, according to the plans the patients' rooms will be in the front of the buildings.

The Engineering Inspector of the Department who reported on the site stated that it was the best of the sites offered to the Board of Health in response to advertisement.

He reported that it was an excellent building site, with a pleasing aspect looking out on the nicely wooded slopes of Carrowroe; that there was plenty of scope to secure the most suitable orientation of the buildings and that there would be privacy to an extent not possible in the case of the other sites.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the graveyard in question directly adjoins the hospital grounds, is on a higher level than the hospital ground, is a notoriously wet graveyard creating seepage and does he consider that the immediate proximity of such a place from a psychological or sanitary point of view is desirable? Are we to understand that it is the Government's intention to reduce this country to such a condition that the graveyard will be looked upon by the patients in Roscommon as the only place in this country where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest?

No answer.

asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state what price per statute acre has been sanctioned or submitted by the local authority for sanction for the site of the proposed new hospital in Roscommon.

On the basis of the area of land acquired the price per statute acre which has been sanctioned is £115.

The area acquired was 7.369 statute acres at a cost of £847 8s. 8d. It was proposed originally to acquire 15 acres at £120 per acre. This price was considered excessive and the Board of Health and Public Assistance were informed that the land should be purchased at a more reasonable figure. The vendor then agreed to reduce the price to £115 per acre.

The land is held in fee simple and is of good quality. Its value to the vendor as an accommodation park for cattle was enhanced by its proximity to the town of Roscommon.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that two other sites were offered, both of which are nearer to the town of Roscommon than the one which was chosen? Is he aware that the Local Government Department have rejected as too expensive land of a much more convenient character for labourers' cottages for which £85 an acre was asked? Is he further aware that the gentleman who sold this land to the Department is one of the most notorious supporters of the Fianna Fáil Party in the town of Roscommon?

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