Michael P. Kitt
Question:266 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide funding for a new health centre in Ballinasloe, County Galway, in view of the dreadful condition of the current health centre. [14374/97]
Written Answers - Health Centres.
As the Deputy will be aware the provision of health centres in the Galway area is a matter for the Western Health Board in the first instance.
The original planning brief in respect of this facility was submitted to my Department in March of this year. A number of queries were raised on the Western Health Board's proposals and these were communicated to the board in August.
I now understand from the board that a revised planning brief has now been prepared in respect of the new community care facility in Ballinasloe at an estimated cost in the region of £ 982,000.
The Deputy will appreciate that progress on this, or any other project will be subject to available capital funding.
The question of funding for health centre priorities for this and the next few years is currently under consideration in my Department and will be communicated to the health boards in the near future.