Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the Deputy's advocacy for this essential healthcare infrastructure for the region in question. I had a very productive meeting with the Saolta group some days ago regarding ongoing projects at University Hospital Galway, including this one, and a discussion on elective facilities in the region.

I am happy to say this project for a new emergency department at University Hospital Galway, which is part of a larger development incorporating maternity and paediatric services, will be included in the capital plan for 2021 along with funding to progress the business case for elective hospitals. The design for the main block, incorporating a full fit out for the women and children's service, has been finalised and the cost-benefit analysis is to be updated for this development. The design for a temporary emergency department, which is to be constructed, has been signed off in the past week. This is an enabling work to clear the site for the main block development. A procurement process is being progressed as part of this project. It is expected that these works will commence in the first quarter of 2021. Other site enabling works are ongoing in preparation for the main emergency department and women and children's block development, including road and services realignment. Covid-related winter works for the emergency department are currently in progress and expected to be completed in this month or January.

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