asked the Minister for Health the specific allocation for the Ardkeen Regional Hospital, County Waterford, for 1988; the plans which he expects will be completed by the end of 1988; if he intends to shorten the programme of completion for the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers - Ardkeen Regional Hospital, County Waterford.
26.
The specific level of the non-capital allocation for Ardkeen Regional Hospital, Waterford, is a matter to be determined by the South-Eastern Health Board and I understand that the board has not yet made any decision in this regard. With regard to the capital allocation for the construction of the new hospital at Ardkeen, the expenditure required for the development in 1988 will depend on several factors which are difficult to quantify and as a result it is not possible to give an exact expenditure figure for 1988 at this stage. However, the funds will be provided to allow the project to proceed according to the timescale agreed in the contract.
It is expected that the new pathology laboratory will be both completed and commissioned by the end of 1988 and that by that time construction will be almost at the halfway stage on a number of areas including a three-storey ward block, a delivery suite, the neo-natal department, catering and staff dining, central stores, pharmacy and staff changing.
Shortening the programme for completion of the hospital is not possible within the terms of the contract already entered into for the project.