asked the Minister for Health if he has decided to erect a central hospital at Carlow; and, if so, when does he propose to commence building operations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - New Carlow Hospital.
As the Deputy may be aware, the provision of a county hospital in Carlow has been under consideration since 1932. In August, 1948, the local authority was informed that I would be willing to agree to the immediate provision of a joint hospital for Carlow and Kildare which would obviate the need for a county hospital in Carlow. When agreement could not be reached on the location of such a hospital, I suggested to a deputation from both local authorities that a possible solution would be to build a hospital in Carlow to serve County Carlow and South Kildare, other arrangements being suggested for the remainder of County Kildare. The Carlow County Council have accepted this proposal but the Kildare Council are opposed to it. When I receive the final recommendations of the Kildare County Council, I hope that it will then be possible to come to a decision which will clear the air and make it possible to undertake the planning of the projects decided on.
Is the Minister aware, regarding the joint deputation representative of Carlow and Kildare to which he referred, that it was agreed by the Carlow representatives that the joint hospital should be provided at Carlow to cater for County Carlow and South Kildare? In view of the fact that the Kildare County Council have declined to adhere to this scheme, would the Minister now take steps to ensure that the hospital will be provided at Carlow at the earliest possible date, if the Carlow County Council are prepared to go on with it, and will he sanction the building of the hospital at Carlow?
I am aware that the facts as put forward by the Deputy are accurate in substance, but as I pointed out in my reply I must await the final recommendations of the Kildare County Council, in respect of the proposal put forward at that meeting. The Deputy is aware, I think, that the deputation which I met at that time had not full powers to make final decisions. They had to go back and make recommendations to their respective county councils which were accepted on behalf of Carlow, but not on behalf of Kildare County Council. They are considering the matter further, and, as soon as I have their final decision, I will proceed with the work of getting the hospital built as rapidly as possible. I am merely awaiting the acquiescence of the local authority.
Is the Minister not aware that Kildare County Council have made a final decision? Has he not been notified that they repudiated these proposals and unanimously decided that Kildare should have a county hospital?
I am not aware that Kildare County Council have come to a final decision in the matter.