Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 Apr 2003

Vol. 564 No. 5

Written Answers - Hospitals Building Programme.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

275 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children when he will be responding to the brief submitted by the project team from Waterford Regional Hospital under the national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9696/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

A draft design brief for proposed development at Waterford Regional Hospital was received by my Department last month and it is currently being examined. The draft brief will be used in finalising a revised development control plan, DCP, and establishing priorities for future development at the hospital campus.

My Department is at present reviewing from a national point of view, the NDP for the health sector generally in light of the outturn position for 2002. This process involves providing for existing capital contractual commitments and commencing where possible the planning or construction of new projects in 2003 or beyond. It is in this context that capital developments for the South-Eastern Health Board region including the proposed initiative at Waterford Regional Hospital, are being examined.

My Department fully appreciates the importance of this particular issue and will continue to liaise closely with the South-Eastern Health Board on the matter and in relation to its overall capital needs and priorities.