On 10 September, I announced capital funding of approximately €20 million to progress the national roll-out to the southern and western counties. This is the next stage of the roll-out to ensure that all women in the 50 to 64 age group throughout the country will have access to breast screening and follow up treatment where required. I also approved the appointment of a design team to progress the implementation of the expansion programme in the south and west The design team will work up detailed plans for the construction of both BreastCheck clinical units. The BreastCheck clinical unit for the southern area will be at the South Infirmary-Victoria Hospital, Cork with three associated mobile units. The area of coverage will be Counties Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Limerick and Tipperary SR.
The South Infirmary-Victoria Hospital and my Department and BreastCheck, are fully committed to a fast track approach to the roll-out of the programme and representatives are meeting this week to commence the design process.