Vol. 495 No. 4
300 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to the recent demolition of part of St Mary's Hospital, Mullingar, County Westmeath; if her Department will enter into discussions with the Midland Health Board to have this building restored and put to appropriate use in view of the historical significance of this building to Mullingar and the midlands. [20492/98]
I understand that the Midland Health Board has submitted a planning application to Westmeath County Council in respect of the recent demolition of St. Mary's. In my role as statutory consultee, under the Planning and Development Acts, the planning application has been brought to my attention. In addition, I am in receipt of representations from a local interest group, the "Save St. Mary's Committee".
Following notification to me by the planning authority of this planning application my Department has conveyed the view that no further demolition should be carried out on the site until a full condition survey and evulation of the architectural and historical merits of the buildings has been undertaken. Moreover the planning authority has been requested to consult further with my Department on completion of this full condition survey.
I understand that the Heritage Council which is also a statutory consultee under the Planning and Development Acts has already conveyed their views in this matter to Westmeath County Council.
