Vol. 555 No. 2
351 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the stage the proposed new building of St. John's Hospital, Enniscorthy, is at; if there is or was a problem of planning at any one of the stages; when he expects the new building will start; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18408/02]
The provision of health services in County Wexford is the responsibility of the South-Eastern Health Board.
Under the National Development Plan 2001-2006, the South-Eastern Health Board was advised of indicative funding of €18.81 million for capital investment in the development of services for older people.
In this context, the board provided for the replacement of St. John's Hospital, Enniscorthy, in its list of projects. The board have allocated €5.71 million for the phase one development. It is the board's intention that phase one will include two 30 bed wards along with a new kitchen.
I understand that approval has been given to the project team to advance to stage three of the planning process. A draft submission has been prepared and is to be forwarded to my Department shortly. The board also hope to receive approval to apply for planning permission and to proceed to stages four and five at this time. It is hoped that the design work will be completed in 2002 and that tenders will be obtained by spring of 2003.
