asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that, prior to the emergency, land was acquired for the erection of a district hospital at Cahirciveen, County Kerry, and that the necessary plans were prepared; and whether, in view of the necessity for a hospital in Cahirciveen, he will state if it is intended to have same erected in the near future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospital Facilities in County Kerry.
Early in 1938 land was compulsorily acquired for a hospital site in Cahireiveen. Sketch plans were prepared but owing to the financial position of the county at that time and the large commitments already entered into for hospital improvements the proposal had to be deferred. Sketch plans were again submitted in January, 1941. In the emergency conditions which then prevailed there was no prospect of the work being undertaken. I will now be prepared to consider the proposal in conjunction with other hospital proposals throughout the country but I cannot give any indication when the work could be allowed to proceed to contract. The estimated cost in 1938 was £22,700. There is no present estimate of cost available.