asked the Minister for Local Government and, Public Health if he will state what progress has been made in the erection of sanatoria pursuant to the Tuberculosis (Establishment of Sanatoria) Act, 1945, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Erection of Sanatoria.
The Deputy will appreciate that the establishment of three new sanatoria containing over 2,000 beds is a project of very considerable magnitude. It involves the inspection, survey and acquisition of sites, consultation between architects, engineers, medical and administrative staffs, with regard to the various types of accommodation to be provided, the preparation of lay-out plans, detailed plans, and working drawings, as well as schedules of quantities.
A staff of architects and civil, mechanical and electrical engineers are engaged upon the preparation of the plans, and I am happy to state that satisfactory progress is being made. Sites have been acquired at Santry Court, County Dublin, and Merlin Park, Galway, and the site for the Cork institution which will be located near Glanmire has been selected and will be acquired shortly. The planning of the Dublin institution has reached a stage which will permit of site development works, i.e., the laying of roads, sewers and water mains, being commenced shortly. The clearing of the site at Santry Court is in progress.