asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that about December, 1947, a mansion on the outskirts of Waterford City was purchased by Waterford County Council for the purpose of providing a sanatorium; and if so, (i) whether he will arrange to have work on the project commenced at an early date; (ii) the number of beds it is intended to provide; and (iii) the approximate total cost of the project.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waterford Sanatorium.
The answer to the first part of the Deputy's question is yes.
It was originally intended to develop the property, which is known as Ardkeen House, for the accommodation of between 30 and 40 patients. Following a later review of the position it was decided to construct instead, on the site, a sub-regional sanatorium of 250 beds with full facilities for the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis, including major thoracic surgery, to serve the counties of Kilkenny and Waterford, further vacant beds to be allocated to patients from County Wexford and South Tipperary.
Advertisements were issued recently describing the scope of the work and inviting interested contractors who had the necessary plant and organisation to submit their names to the local authority for consideration. The planning of the institution has reached the point when tenders are about to be invited for the development and building works and the Deputy can be assured that everything possible will be done to have the work commenced without delay.
The total cost of the scheme, so far as can be ascertained at present, will be approximately £500,000.