Vol. 547 No. 3
218 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Western Health Board has completed the purchase of the former Bon Secours Hospital in Tuam; if the plans and design of the new proposed building are available; if it will be necessary to apply for planning permission for the project; and the approximate date when the new hospital will open for business. [3237/02]
The Western Health Board has responsibility, in the first instance, for the administration of health services in the Tuam area. My Department has made inquiries of the chief executive officer of the board concerning this matter and has been informed that the board has completed the purchase of the former hospital and that a number of groups are currently examining the different services being planned for location on the campus. The work of these groups will be ongoing for some time. In relation to the necessity for planning permission, the board will observe the planning requirements.
It is not possible to give any indication as to when the new hospital will open for business.
