James Breen
Question:442 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if work will start on the upgrading of Ennis General Hospital, now that the consultants' report is completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11674/03]
Written Answers. - Hospitals Building Programme.
A briefing document has been prepared by the project team for Ennis General Hospital which sets out the broad scope of the future development of the hospital to be considered in the preparation of a development control plan. The following areas have been identified by the Mid-Western Health Board as priority areas for development on completion of the DCP: ward upgrade, accident and emergency, radiology, outpatients and general infrastructure upgrade.
The board has endorsed the briefing document and requested approval to formally appoint the selected design team to prepare the DCP. At present, approval to progress this project is currently being considered by my Department in the context of a review of health capital projects under the national development plan. It is expected that this review will be completed shortly. My Department will then be in a position to discuss with the Mid-Western Health Board the question of progressing this project in the light of capital priorities overall within the board's area and in line with funding resources available under the NDP.
Question No. 443 answered with Question No. 109.