Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:209 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children if provision will be made for urgent capital work at University College Hospital, Galway. [6506/98]
Written Answers - Hospital Building Projects.
A major capital redevelopment programme is currently under way at University College Hospital, Galway. Phase 1 of this programme is currently under construction at an overall cost of the order of £19 million. A development control plan is now being finalised for the remainder of the redevelopment programme. I expect to receive the final development control plan for approval in the next month and I will be in a position to make a more detailed statement on the anticipated timescale for completion of the developments planned at that stage. Provision for capital costs associated with phase 2 of the development will be made in my Department's current capital programme for 1998-2000.
In addition to this, I have allocated £0.700 million to the Western Health Board in 1998 for minor capital works and replacement medical equipment in the board's acute hospitals.