Billy Timmins
Ceist:93 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children when phase 2 of the development at Naas General Hospital will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16638/97]
Written Answers - Hospital Building Programme.
A development control plan for Naas General Hospital is currently being prepared and the precise scope of the phase 2 development within that plan is being considered by the Eastern Health Board in consultation with my Department.
The date of commencement of work on site will depend on several factors which cannot be quantified accurately in advance, including the rate of progress that can be achieved in relation to the design planning work. It is not possible to give a precise timetable at this stage.
Provision has been made in the Health Capital Programme for 1997 to finance the planning fees involved and the funding required in 1998 and in subsequent years will be considered in the context of the Department's capital allocation for those years.