I propose to take Questions Nos. 279 and 283 together.
The development of a multidisciplinary early Intervention and Respite Care centre for children with complex additional needs on the grounds of St Otteran’s Hospital in Waterford is an important and significant project.
This development has been approved for inclusion on the HSE Capital Plan 2021. The HSE Capital Plan determines the projects that can progress in any given year having regard to the total available capital funding and the relevant priority of each project. All Health capital projects currently at various stages of development are considered as part of this process.
It is expected that the plans will go to tender in late 2022 subject to available funding, with construction due to commence in 2023. The programme of construction should last for a period of 18-24 months.
It is important to recognise that the delivery of capital projects is a dynamic process and is subject to the successful completion of the various approval stages, in line with the Public Spending Code, which can impact on the timeline for delivery.