Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 Nov 2003

Vol. 574 No. 5

Written Answers. - Hospitals Building Programme.

Joan Burton

Question:

123 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children when it is expected that the new five storey facility at James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown, which cost more than ?96 million to construct and equip, will be brought into service; the steps being taken to ensure that the facility is commissioned without further delay; if the revenue required to complete commissioning of the facility will be included in the estimates for 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27558/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Responsibility for the provision of services at James Connolly Memorial Hospital rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority, ERHA.

With regard to the overall project development my Department is advised that construction of Phase 1 of the new hospital development at James Connolly Memorial Hospital is now complete with the exception of some snagging work which is being carried out by the contractors. This major development is being funded jointly by the Northern Area Health Board, through the sale of surplus lands, and my Department. The projected full project cost is €101.4 million. This includes an amount of €5 million approved earlier this year to facilitate refurbishment works at the hospital which are necessary as part of the transition process to the new hospital and to facilitate a land transfer in line with the project development arrangements.

My Department has been advised by the ERHA of recent progress in commissioning the new facilities, including for example, the transfer of the coronary care and cardiac unit, the thera peutic psychiatry of old age day hospital and the rheumatology service to the new building.

Question No. 124 answered with Question No. 119.

Question No. 125 answered with Question No. 77.