Dermot Ahern
Ceist:33 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Health the present position regarding the proposed extension to Louth County Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [88261/95]
Written Answers. - Louth County Hospital.
Limerick East): Louth County Hospital forms part of the Louth-Meath hospital group and the provision and development of services at that hospital is a matter for the North Eastern Health Board in the first instance. The North Eastern Health Board has identified this development as a priority. My Department received outline proposals from the board in November 1993 in relation to the development of Louth County Hospital and has recently received more complete documentation in relation to the upgrading of facilities at the hospital. The proposed development would involve alterations and improvements to the accident and emergency, out-patient and X-ray Departments and also provides for a new pharmacy, physical medicine department and medical records department.
Officials of my Department are in consultation with officials of the North Eastern Health Board on these proposals. The question of capital funding for this development is being considered by my Department at present in the context of the board's priority development requirements, the many competing requirements nationally and the overall resources available for these purposes.