asked the Minister for Health what is the present position regarding the renovation of St. Otteran's Hospital, Waterford; and when it is expected that work will be completed.
14.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - St. Otteran's Hospital, Waterford.
13.
asked the Minister for Health what is the position regarding the scheme for the repair and replacement of the mechanical and electrical services at St. Otteran's Hospital, Waterford; and when it is hoped that work on the project will commence.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 14 together.
A scheme of repairs and improvements has been in progress at St. Otteran's for some years past. To date, works costing some £33,000 have been carried out under this scheme, while approval has also been given to the carrying out of further works costing about £10,000.
The health authority have also submitted proposals for a further scheme of improvements to the hospital, including improvements to the mechanical and electrical services and the sanitary annexes, estimated to cost £200,000. These large scale proposals must be examined in conjunction with a general review of the hospital accommodation in the Waterford area which is at present receiving close attention in my Department. I hope soon to be in a position to make certain recommendations on the matter to the health authority.
In so far as the electrical installations are concerned, I understand that some urgent repair works have already been carried out to these installations so as to render them safe. I have, however, made arrangements for an engineering inspector of my Department to visit the hospital this week to determine what further works are essential.