Vol. 528 No. 1
243 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for Health and Children when work is expected to commence on the proposed new hospital at St. John's, Enniscorthy, County Wexford; the reason for the delay; and the progress on planning and seeking of tenders. [29598/00]
The provision of health services in County Wexford is the responsibility of the South Eastern Health Board. The board has informed me that the appointment of the design team was completed by early 2000. As the existing buildings are protected structures under the 1999 Planning Act, developments on the site must not only meet with the normal planning authority requirements but also with those of the Heritage Act, 1995. Once the principles of the development of the site are agreed with the planning authority, Heritage Council and Dúchas, the design team will proceed with the completion of the design and construction works.
I understand from the South Eastern Health Board that it is intended that the site development-civil works contract should commence in late 2001 and the completed building should be available early in 2003.
