asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in the commencement of the new maternity hospital at our Lady of Lourdes, Drogheda, County Louth; when work will commence; the total cost of the project; and the contract date for completion.
Written Answers. - Proposed Extension at Drogheda Hospital.
306.
The provision of the new maternity unit at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda is a complex scheme and it has taken longer than was originally envisaged to complete the necessary technical documentation and the tendering process.
I understand that tenders have now been received and that the design team have submitted a report on these tenders to the Medical Missionaries of Mary. This report has not yet been submitted to my Department.
The date of commencement of the work will be considered when the report on the tenders has been examined in my Department. The building cost is estimated at about £6 million and this will be financed from the health capital programme. The design team fees and any other costs involved are the responsibility of the order. The contract period is expected to be of the order of two years.