Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for the follow-up question. I can tell this is an issue she has been pursuing back and forth with the HSE for quite some time. I will certainly engage with the HSE on the timeline for the submission of the planning application and revert directly to her in that regard.

The way the capital planning process works, as she will be aware, is that we need to get through a number of stages and the standard reference to it being subject to the availability of capital is a reference to the fact that this project has yet to receive planning permission. The project is included in the capital plan. That is a commitment from us to deliver the capital to fund that project but, before we get to that point, the project needs to receive planning permission.

The effort must be on getting a planning application submitted as a matter of urgency. Subject to planning permission being granted, I am more than happy to meet the Kildare Deputies to update them on timelines for the delivery.

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