Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 2

Written Answers. - Hospitals Building Projects.

John McGuinness

Question:

273 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the South Eastern Health Board has not fulfilled its commitment (details supplied) to the local community of Castlecomer, County Kilkenny, in relation to the expenditure of £80,000 for refurbishment works and the provision of long stay beds for Castlecomer Hospital; the plans he has for the hospital; if he will expedite the proposals agreed between the South Eastern Health Board and the local community representatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21971/00]

John McGuinness

Question:

274 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received a submission from the South Eastern Health Board in relation to the provision of a home for the elderly in Kilkenny city to serve the region; if the South Eastern Health Board agreed to locate the services for the care of the elderly in Kilkenny as part of its re-structuring plan; his views on the delay in providing this service to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21972/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 273 and 274 together.

The provision of health services in County Kilkenny is a matter for the South Eastern Health Board. The allocation of funds provided under the national development plan in respect of specific projects is a matter for decision by each health board.

I understand from the board that, as part of its Kilkenny hospital plan, it has provided for £2.5 million under the national development plan to support the development of a new 30 bed community hospital for the elderly at St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny. A project team has been appointed to oversee the development and this phase will commence shortly.

The board has advised that it is meeting the commitment given to the local community of Castlecomer in relation to the expenditure of £80,000 for refurbishment works and the provision of long stay beds at Castlecomer Hospital. It is currently addressing the short-medium term development of additional beds at Castlecomer district hospital. As such, architects have been engaged to draw up a plan for the development of two respite and two long stay beds. In line with the architect's report, the board has agreed the scheme of works recommended and is seeking the necessary planning approvals to proceed with these works. The board has advised that it is also investigating the possibility of providing sheltered housing on the grounds of the hospital.

Question No. 274 taken with Question No. 273.