Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 October 2019
346. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health the status of planned progress of the block at Sligo University Hospital in view of the urgent need for increases in bed capacity at the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39416/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive recently published its Capital Plan for 2019-2021 outlining 250 projects to be progressed over the three-year period.
The Capital Plan includes a new ward block development and additional bed capacity at Sligo University Hospital, which is currently at design stage.
The HSE is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects and has advised that preliminary design work and site investigations have been carried out for this new development at Sligo University Hospital. Planning approval was granted in July 2019 and the project is currently at the detailed design stage.
It is important to recognise that all capital development proposals must progress through a number of approval stages, in line with the Public Spending Code, including detailed appraisal, planning, design and procurement, before a firm timeline or funding requirement can be established. The final decision to proceed with the construction of a project cannot be made until the tender process has been completed and the costings reviewed to ensure that the proposal delivers value for money and remains affordable, and that sufficient funding is available to fund the project to completion, including equipping and commissioning costs.
The delivery of capital projects is a dynamic process and is subject to the successful completion of the various approval stages, which can impact on the timeline for delivery.
