asked the Minister for Health if he has any plans for the provision of a general and maternity hospital in North County Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - North Dublin Hospital Development.
12.
The general hospital development programme which has been approved by the Government for Dublin provides for three major general hospitals in north Dublin. These hospitals, which will cater for both city and county, are the Mater Misericordiae and the James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown, both of which will be expanded, and a new hospital at Beaumont. Discussions on matters relating to the systematic planning and implementation of the development programme have been taking place between my Department and various interested bodies. In planning developments, regard will be had to needs in relation to maternity services.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary tell us how far plans have gone for the building and construction of the hospital in Beaumont?
I could not answer that because the Deputy did not ask that question.
It arises from the same question. Beaumont Hospital is the one which is at present intended for the north county area.
The only thing I can tell the Deputy is that no decision has yet been taken. There is a working party meeting at the moment which consists of representatives of the Department and Comhairle na nOspidéal. Their meeting took place on 12th June, one week ago.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary bring to the attention of the working party the fact that the north county area comprises such housing estates as the complex of Ballymun, the new corporation development at Darndale, the massive housing area at Donaghmeade, Grangemore/Donaghmeade and the existing expansion in the towns of Swords, Malahide, Portmarnock and out through North County Dublin? It is mostly young married couples who are living in these areas and, consequently, the need for a maternity hospital is very great.
If the working party are not already aware of the situation, I will let them know.