asked the Minister for Health the long term plans which are prepared in his Department and the stage at which they are for the long term development of St. Patrick's Hospital, Waterford; and the interim arrangements which can be made to eliminate the fire hazard which exists in St. Partick's ward of that hospital.
Written Answers. - Waterford Hospital Plans
19.
In view of the other competing priorities of the South Eastern Health Board for capital development funds it is not possible to contemplate the long term plans for the replacement of St. Patrick's Hospital, Waterford in the foreseeable future.
In the meantime it has been decided to provide additional accommodation at ground floor level so as to eliminate the potential fire hazard in St. Patrick's and St. Bridget's wards on the first floor of the hospital. A planning brief for this development was approved by my Department last November and I am now awaiting further planning documentation from the health board.