Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

The people of Ballinamore and south Leitrim have been waiting for many years for the Ballinamore community hospital. I was informed in a letter from the local health manager on 24 July 2007 that a document had been forwarded to the HSE national headquarters seeking approval to proceed with the next stage, which would provide for the appointment of a design team that would undertake the design, seek planning approval and procure contractors to build the hospital.

As the Minister of State knows, the facilities at the proposed development will include a primary care centre that will facilitate the provision of services by general practitioners, public health nurses, physiotherapists and other members of multidisciplinary teams. A community nursing unit comprising 21 beds and a day service centre will also be incorporated into the design of the nursing unit. The current cost estimate for the project is €7.29 million. I welcome the appointment of the design team. However, I would be grateful for information on when this much-needed development will be built and open to the public. The HSE and the Government talk about the need for primary care. I would, therefore, welcome a favourable reply on this matter tonight.

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