Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 May 1994

Vol. 442 No. 8

Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Mayo General Hospital.

Enda Kenny

Question:

98 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Health, in respect of phase II of Mayo General Hospital, if he has satisfied himself that this project is the number one priority in the Western Health Board area for capital development; if he has further satisfied himself as to the actual level of development to be required in phase II as against what was originally envisaged by his Department, that is an actual cost of development of approximately £6 million as against an estimated cost of £15 million as intended by his Department; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the phase II development cannot proceed without six months further design and planning work; and if he will make a statement in respect of authorisation of such planning and design work.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

The question of establishing priorities in relation to capital projects in the Western Health Board area is a matter for the board and I understand that the phase II development of Mayo General Hospital is the board's priority for major capital development.

The board has recently submitted proposals for a reduced phase II scheme to my Department and these proposals will be examined as soon as possible in consultation with officials of the board, with a view to establishing their feasibility from the planning and service points of view. As soon as this examination has been completed and an assessment of the costs involved is available, I will be in a position to consider how progress can be made in the context of all the other competing demands for capital funding that are currently in my Department.

I am aware of the further design and planning work that would be required for any approved reduced scheme but I cannot give a precise timetable at this stage for the execution of such work.