asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange for the purchase of Coole Hospital, County Westmeath, as a health care institution.
Written Answers. - Westmeath Hospital.
845.
The question of the purchase of Coole Hospital for use as a health care institution is a matter in the first instance for the Midland Health Board.
Since the closure of Coole Hospital in 1981 considerable thought has been given by both the Midland and North Eastern Health Boards in conjunction with my Department to devising a scheme whereby the hospital could be used for the provision of health services. However, no realistic proposal has emerged. This is not surprising since both the location and structure of the complex stand in the way of its being used for health purposes.
In the circumstances it is not my intention to purchase the hospital at Coole for use as a health care institution.