asked the Minister for Health if there is any delay in the provision of the extension to Our Lady of Lourdes Maternity Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth; when he will sign the contract; the approximate contract time for the commencement and completion; the cost of building; the method of finance; the square acreage; the number of beds; the projected staff by category; the numbers to be employed; and if he will require the contractor to employ local labour and use Irish materials where possible.
Written Answers. - Drogheda Hospital.
53.
No delay is anticipated in the provision of the extension to Our Lady of Lourdes Maternity Hospital, Drogheda. The Medical Missionaries of Mary are expected to sign the contract towards the middle of 1986. The approximate contract time is 24 months and the building cost is estimated at £6 million approximately. The building works will be financed from the hospital capital programme, with the Order paying the design team fees. The area of the building is 6,272 square metres and it will provide 68 beds. The building is in replacement of existing accommodation and no change in staff numbers or categories is envisaged. It is estimated that 50 to 60 building operatives will be employed during construction. The Department of Health encourages the use of local labour and health agencies are instructed to give Irish manufacturers every opportunity to tender when seeking quotations for any commodity.