Vol. 555 No. 5
283 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children the level of funding available for the completion of works at James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown; if this funding is sufficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18919/02]
The phase one development at James Connolly Memorial Hospital is being funded jointly by the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the Department of Health and Children through the Northern Area Health Board. This joint funding arrangement is based on the Department of Health and Children providing funds equal to those provided by the ERHA which included the receipts from the sale of land considered surplus to the long-term development of the hospital. The Eastern Regional Health Authority and the Department of Health and Children agreed, prior to the contract, to fund various additional costs to enable changes to the design brief and costs which arose due to market conditions at the time of tender. This excludes any contribution to the cost of the proposed bridge at the main entrance and funds for renovation of two wards in the existing building which are the subject of separate discussions with the ERHA and the NAHB.
The current commitment due by this Department, as agreed with the authority, is €46.472 million towards the total project costs. This amount has recently been fully drawn down by the authority from my Department.
The question of funding the outstanding agreed commitment for the completion of this project, with the exception of the contribution towards the cost of the bridge and the renovating of two wards, is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority.
