Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Feb 1989

Vol. 386 No. 4

Written Answers. - County Sligo Welfare Home.

85.

Mr. Nealon

asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in June 1988 the Taoiseach turned the first sod for the construction of a welfare home in Tubbercurry, County Sligo; that nothing has happened on the site in Teeling Street since then; that a major contribution has been organised from the local community for building; that this home would be particularly suitable to the area in view of the demographic structure of south Sligo; that a very active and innovative local committee exists to help with this project; that there is considerable unease that nothing seems to have happened since the sod turning ceremony; and if, in view of all these factors, he will announce an early start to the building work.

86.

Mr. Nealon

asked the Minister for Health the funds which have been provided and the sources from which they have been provided, at Government level, for the planned welfare home in Tubbercurry, County Sligo, for which the Taoiseach turned the first sod; and if, in view of the cost involved, he will make further funds available to supplement the excellent efforts of the local committee and the contributions of the local community.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 86 together. I am of course aware, and indeed admire, the contribution of the local community towards the development at Tubbrecurry. The first phase of this development will be a health and day care centre.

On 9 August 1988 I let the North-Western Health Board know that I had no objection to the engagement of an architect for the project and I am currently awaiting their detailed proposals in this regard. The board's proposals, once received, will be dealt with as expediently as possible to allow construction to begin at an early date. I provided £75,000 out of national lottery funds for this project last year and I am keeping the question of providing further funds for the scheme under review in the context of the current difficult financial situation.