Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 September 2013
49. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the additional resources he will make available to assist the rebuilding of Letterkenny General Hospital following flood damage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40041/13]
View answerFollowing the flooding in Letterkenny General Hospital a major emergency plan was put into operation. As part of this plan a Rebuild Steering Group was established and is supported by a design team.
The Group identified the Scope of Works (11 projects), indicative timescales and costs to restore services to the hospital. Emergency capital funding has been made available to fund the projects which include, inter alia;
- Gynae Department restored;
- Temporary cardiac investigations area completed;
- Interim kitchens/Staff canteen are in place and in operation;
- Interim Emergency Department and Radiology Department including two mobile DR (X Ray) trailers are in place and providing service;
- Planning permission submitted for culvert works;
- Option appraisal and detailed design completed for temporary outpatients.
In parallel there is an ongoing process regarding settling the insurance claim to cover the extensive damage. This claim will fund a significant part of the identified costs but is very much work in process. Any deficit in costs, not covered by the insurance claim will be met (subject to the normal scrutiny) by the Health Service Executive.
I am satisfied that every possible resource has been made available and will continue to be made available to Letterkenny General Hospital to implement the scope of works identified by the Rebuild Steering Group.
