asked the Minister for Health if he will state the cause of delay in the approval of plans for renovation of the old sanatorium, Monaghan.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old Sanatorium, Monaghan.
This scheme was proceeding on the basis of making some alterations to the modern section of this institution and the renovation of the very old block. On more detailed examination of the proposal, it became clear that it would be very difficult and disproportionately expensive to provide accommodation up to modern standards in the very old block. As the purpose of the proposed works is to make it possible to deal with all fever cases in the county at one centre, it is essential that the standard of accommodation at that centre should be satisfactory. For that reason it was proposed to the local authority that the very old block should be demolished and the accommodation additional to that available in the modern block provided by way of a new building.
A scheme on these lines has been drawn up and is being examined in my Department. On receipt of some further information on points which have arisen as a result of preliminary examination, I hope to be in a position to inform the local authority that they may proceed with the further planning along the general lines of this scheme.