Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Kirk for raising this matter. I reply on behalf of my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney.

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services.

The HSE is considering the development of hospital services at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda and Louth County Hospital, Dundalk. A major feasibility study was commissioned to investigate the viability of further developing services on the existing site in Drogheda. The HSE in the north east, proposes to progress significant developments including theatres, central sterile services department, pathology, physical medicine, pharmacy and radiology. The accident and emergency project is under way and is scheduled to be completed next year.

The Department understands that the development plan for the Louth County Hospital is being prepared by the technical services department of the HSE north-eastern region in consultation with staff, and this is now in final draft form. The outline development control plan describes a practical strategy for the comprehensive renewal of Louth County Hospital on the current site. The total redevelopment is to be accomplished through a maximum of five packages of new and refurbished construction, with most clinical and diagnostic services developed in the first two packages. As well as the proposed new construction, it is planned to undertake extensive refurbishment of the existing hospital.

Interim projects for the hospital include plans agreed and planning permission granted for two interim theatres to be constructed adjacent to the existing day services unit to provide adequate facilities for the joint department of surgery. It is necessary to undertake infrastructural work to the hospital kitchen facility to meet regulatory requirements. Approval of the design team selection has been received. Design will commence following the finalisation of the development and control plan. The HSE is developing the detailed tender and contract documentation specifications and hope to advance the upgrade of electrical works in late 2005 early 2006.

The development plans for Drogheda and Dundalk now require to be progressed by the National Hospitals Office in the context of its development plans for the region.

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