(Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for Health the present position with regard to the planning for the general hospital at Cavan; when he anticipates that tenders will be invited for the building; and if he will make a statement on the subject.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cavan Hospital.
35.
A design team, comprising architects, consulting engineers and quantity surveyors, was appointed to the Cavan Hospital Project in September 1977.
The detailed planning of the hospital is well advanced and it is expected that tender stage will be reached in mid-1979.
The planning of the hospital is proceeding with all possible speed.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Do I understand that architects were not appointed until 1977? I understood they were appointed much earlier than that.
There was a development in this matter of which, perhaps, the Deputy may not be aware. When we decided to proceed with the immediate construction of Beaumont Hospital it seemed to me that if the same team were on Beaumont and Cavan, one or other project would not proceed as rapidly as it should, so at my request the team appointed for Cavan withdrew to concentrate on Beaumont and a new team was appointed for Cavan.
(Cavan-Monaghan): When was the team first appointed for Cavan?
I am not sure but it was certainly before I came into office.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Has the Minister the date there?
The project team was established in July 1976. A planning brief was completed in April 1977.
(Cavan-Monaghan): I agree with the Minister that if the same team were attending two projects there would be delays, but is it not a fact that switching the team from Cavan to Beaumont has caused delay to Cavan?
Not effectively, no.
(Cavan-Monaghan): The Minister appreciates that there is acute need for a hospital in Cavan. The surgical hospital is out of commission at the moment. Is the Minister aware of that? Might I ask the Minister to take a personal interest in this general hospital and see that there is no delay either in the planning or on the part of his Department and that the building will get under way without any unnecessary or undue delay?
I have no problem in giving such an undertaking. I indicated in my reply to the question that the planning of the hospital is proceeding with all possible speed.
(Cavan-Monaghan): When will tenders be sought?
In mid-1979.