Phil Hogan
Ceist:103 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children when tender documents will be available for the extension of the health centre at Callan, County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19626/02]
Written Answers. - Health Centres.
The provision of health centres to meet the needs of local communities and the maintenance and upgrading of such centres within its functional area is a matter for the relevant health board or the Eastern Regional Health Authority. In the case of Callan health centre, this responsibility rests with the South Eastern Health Board. I have been in contact with the board and it has informed me that at present the board is considering two options, one of which involves a proposal to extend the existing health centre that necessitates the purchase of additional land and the other option is to relocate the health centre to a new location as part of a joint venture with voluntary organisations.
Planning proposals have been prepared for the first option and a planning permission application is under consideration by the local planning authority. The alternative option is being pursued simultaneously and at present the health board is in negotiation for the purchase of this new site. Tender documentation is already prepared for the first option and the preparation of the tender documentation for the second option would be subsequent to the satisfactory negotiation for the purchase of this new site.