The provision of health services in the Donegal area is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the North-Western Health Board. My Department has made inquiries of the board concerning the issue raised and has been advised that, in response to the recommendations of the interdepartmental co-ordinating committee on island development, the board set up an island review group to conduct a comprehensive review of health needs and service provision for island communities. In 1999, the review group recommended the provision of a small nursing unit – six to eight beds – for Aranmore. It was planned to develop the unit on the site of the existing health-day centre. Architects were engaged and draft plans were produced in consultation with committee members and representatives of the island community. However, difficulties arose and the architects suggested that the site was not suitable to accommodate the proposed development.
The board subsequently made contact with the owner of the land adjacent to the health-day centre and purchased an additional .783 acres. Ongoing discussions are taking place with the local island community as to the type of accommodation required to meet the residential needs of the community.