The relocation of Temple Street Hospital to the Mater Hospital campus has been under consideration for some time by the religious orders who own the two hospitals concerned. My Department supports the transfer of Temple Street Hospital to the Mater campus because of the need to improve the quality of paediatric hospital accommodation and the potential benefits to both hospitals of shared infrastructural support and complementary clinical services.
While there is agreement in principle between the two orders to the proposed move, there are a number of issues still to be worked out which will have an impact on the phasing of the development. My Department is currently in discussion with representatives of the hospitals in order to progress this matter. It is generally accepted that in view of the logistical and planning issues involved, the move to the Mater Hospital site would take a number of years to complete. However, in the interim, it is vital that existing services for children on the north side of the city are maintained to a high standard. For this reason, my Department recently approved the establishment of a project team for the refurbishment of Temple Street Hospital's accident and emergency department and the provision of a 20 bedded ward. Work is well advanced on the planning of this development. The Deputy will wish to know that in recent months I have also approved the following funding for the Children's Hospital, Temple Street: capital grant for the purchase of priority equipment: £410,000; hi-tech initiative: £77,000; waiting list initiative: £40,000.
My Department has not received any proposals for the development of paediatric facilities at Beaumont Hospital. However, the provision of the above funding and the development plans which have been drawn up are evidence of my Department's commitment to the enhancement of paediatric services on the north side of Dublin.
