Vol. 500 No. 1
227 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the positive steps, if any, his Department is taking to progress the completion of Phase 2B of the Longford - Westmeath General Hospital at Mullingar, County Westmeath; if a clear timescale for the allocation of the required resources is in place to enable this development of this phase to proceed to completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3677/99]
The Midland Health Board has set a series of priorities in relation to major capital developments for the acute hospitals in its area. These priorities are: the completion of Phase 2A of the development at Longford/Westmeath General Hospital, Mullingar; the capital project that is currently in preparation at Tullamore General Hospital; and the completion of Phase 2B at Longford/Westmeath General Hospital.
Since these priorities were established some years ago, I am pleased to report that significant progress has been made. Phase 2A in Mullingar is now fully operational. Good progress is being made in relation to the planning process for the capital development at Tullamore General Hospital. In addition, planning is proceeding for important and much needed developments at Portlaoise General Hospital. These comprise an acute psychiatric unit, paediatric unit and other facilities, including renovation of the catering department and ground floor wards.
Phase 2B at Longford/Westmeath General Hospital, Mullingar involves a ward block and theatre suite. The facilities have been constructed to the "shelled out" phase involving construction of the outer walls, roof, floors and windows. The completion and commissioning of Phase 2B will be considered in the light of available funding as work on the Midland Health Board's other capital priorities proceeds.
