Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 March 2017
182. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase bed capacity at the Central Mental Hospital; the number of beds available from 2009 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14544/17]
View answerPlanning permission for a new modern forensic mental health facility in Portrane, to replace the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum together with associated new facilities, was granted in June 2015. Phase 1 of the project comprises of a new 120 bed hospital, along with a new 10 bed Child and Adolescent Mental Health unit and a new 10 bed Mental Health Intellectual Disability unit. I was pleased to secure significant additional capital funding in Budget 2017 to progress this project this year. A preferred bidder for construction of the new hospital has been identified, and award of the contract is expected to be completed shortly. The HSE estimate that the new facility will open in late 2019. In relation to bed capacity at the existing Central Mental Hospital, Dundrum, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the HSE in respect of the detailed operational information sought for direct reply.
