Vol. 548 No. 2
219 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the programme of building works at Portlaoise General Hospital with particular reference to capital moneys approved; the nature of works to be carried out; the total cost; the estimated timeframe within which these works will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4861/02]
247 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide a progress report regarding the new building programme at Portlaoise General Hospital; the facilities included in this development; when they are expected to be completed; and if these works will include improvement works to the accident and emergency unit at Portlaoise General Hospital. [4495/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 219 and 247 together.
The facilities included in the capital development at Portlaoise General Hospital include: a new 50 bed acute psychiatric unit; upgraded medical wards and coronary care unit; expansion and upgrading of catering department; replacement paediatric unit comprising 25 beds; infrastructural works; waste management compound; service compound; and revised site works to include increased car parking provision. Construction works within the existing accident and emergency unit are to facilitate construction of the first floor paediatric unit. The current projected completion date for the project is late December 2002. The original contract completion date was early November of this year.
Funding for the development at Portlaoise General Hospital has been provided under the national development plan. I announced in October 2000, a total cost for the project of approximately £25 million, €31.75 million. In line with normal policy relating to individual projects under progress, it would be inappropriate for my Department to divulge at this stage on the grounds of commercial sensitivity, an indication of the total costs involved in this case pending finalisation of the project, including completion of the final account.
