Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 Oct 2002

Vol. 555 No. 3

Written Answers. - Hospital Accommodation.

Willie Penrose

Question:

219 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the position concerning completion of phase 2B of the Regional Hospital, Mullingar; if he will give comprehensive details as to when the said hospital will be ready for occupation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18605/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Approval to the appointment of a design team for the preparation of a development control plan for the whole hospital development was granted in August 2001.

As the approval increased the scope of the phase 2B project, to include indicative accommodation proposed in the design brief, for construction in phases subsequent to 2B, the board's project team was requested to immediately review the design brief to reflect procurement of all phases under a single building contract. The current position is that the preparation of the revised design brief is at an advanced stage and should be formally submitted to the Department in the near future.

The Midland Health Board has advised, that while the design process is at an early stage, completion of the existing "shelled out" ward accommodation is their priority in the project procurement process. The design team is being instructed to examine options which could allow a "fast-track" delivery of that element of the overall project.

Willie Penrose

Question:

220 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the work which has been carried out to date by the project team appointed to undertake an option appraisal for a health infrastructure in Athlone, County Westmeath; the timescale involved in relation to the project brief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18607/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The project team for the proposed Athlone health infrastructure has prepared a draft design brief for the project. The draft brief was prepared to inform the carrying out of an option appraisal by consultants which in turn will allow completion of the design brief.

The Midland Health Board has advised that an architectural firm was recently appointed to carry out the option appraisal and that the study is programmed for completion in December 2002. The draft design brief will be finalised by the project team, taking account of the architects recommended preferred option. The board expects completion of the design brief in early 2003.