Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 July 2004
219 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will report on the proposed extension to St Anthony’s Community Hospital, Dunmanway; the estimated cost involved; and the likely time frame. [20603/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of health services in County Cork is a matter for the Southern Health Board, in the first instance. The board has advised that Dunmanway Community Hospital is to be enlarged from 23 beds to 45. A project group has been established and work has advanced on the preparation of a draft design brief. It is intended to complete the design brief in 2004 for submission to my Department for approval to appoint a design team.
The board has further advised that it is likely that a number of options will be considered by the design team to enlarge the hospital and at that stage the estimated cost will be established. It is not possible for the board to say with any certainty how quickly the project will progress through the selection and appointment of a design team and then on to the design and planning phase pending the outcome of the current review of the National Development Plan by my Department and the Department of Finance.
