Vol. 553 No. 2
576 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if a sum of money has been ringfenced for the completion of phase 2B of Mullingar General Hospital; the amount of money so ringfenced; the date that this was approved; the expenditure on this hospital project during 2002 and the projected expenditure in each of the years 2002 to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13923/02]
I announced approval for phase 2B of the Longford-Westmeath General Hospital on 19 July 2001. The current estimated cost for the project is in the region of €60 million. The projected programme for design, build, equip and commissioning of the total project is for completion by 2006-2007. Elements of the project will be handed over in stages. It is not possible at present to give estimated expenditure for each year of the project given the possible implication of future construction inflation and without a design proposal illustrating the phased development of the project. It is a matter for the Midland Health Board to progress the project under the NDP in the light of prioritising capital demands on the funding resources available each year.
A design team for the project had been selected by the board and funding of approximately €0.6 million has been provided by my Department in the current year for the preparation of a development control plan for phase 2B.
