Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 July 2021
63. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health the plans and development of the new community hospital to be located in the grounds of St. Flannan’s College, Ennis, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28314/21]
View answerIn early 2016, a Capital Programme for Older Persons Residential Centres was developed and agreed with the Department of Health in response to the introduction of HIQA’s, National Residential Care Standards for Older People.
To progress the Community Nursing Unit project in Ennis, the HSE have secured lands comprising of 5.09 acres at Turnpike junction, on grounds adjacent to St Flannan’s College, for the new 100-bed Community Nursing Unit. The contract for the purchase of the lands, which is subject to obtaining planning permission, will see a new 100-bed HIQA compliant Community Nursing Unit for long stay and short stay residents developed on this green field site within walking distance of all community services and the town centre. The unit will include 88-single and 4-twin rooms, and 4-palliative care facilities.
The project has been included for funding in the HSE Capital Programme 2021 and a design team have been procured. The design team have commenced on the outline design phase of the project. It is planned to submit a planning application for this development by year end.
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.
