Vol. 563 No. 4
482 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children the position with regard to the extension to Kenmare District Hospital, Kenmare, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8078/03]
Responsibility for the provision of health services in Kenmare is a matter for the Southern Health Board. The development of a 14-bed extension to Kenmare Community Hospital has been included as part of the Southern Health Board's proposals under the National Development Plan 2001-2006. This project has been scheduled to commence during the latter part of the 2001-06 period. The board has completed a draft accommodation brief for this project which was submitted to my Department on 28 February 2003.
My Department, in conjunction with the health boards, is reviewing the national development plan in the light of the outturn position for 2002 and the requirements for 2003, including meeting existing contractual commitments for the current year. When this process is completed, which I expect should be shortly, my Department and the boards will then be in a position to assess what new capital priorities can be progressed. I appreciate the importance attached to the proposal for Kenmare Community Hospital and my Department will continue to liaise closely with the Southern Health Board in the matter.
483 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regard ing the proposed new community hospital for Dingle, County Kerry; if a site has been acquired for same and the necessary funding provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8079/03]
Responsibility for the provision of health services in County Kerry rests with the Southern Health Board. The development of a new 72-bed community hospital in Dingle is being planned by the board under its National Development Plan 2001-2006. Agreement has been reached on the purchase of the site for the new community hospital and the legal documentation for the transfer of the site is currently being completed.
A grant of planning permission for the project has been issued by Kerry County Council. Stage 3 of the project, which involves finalising the scheme design and cost plan, is currently being examined by my Department. This proposal will fall to be considered in the context of the overall funding resources available to my Department under the national development plan.
