The local authority has indicated that the development of a new health centre is a regional priority in the context of currently inadequate local infrastructure and major population growth in the Mulhuddart area. Unfortunately, given other commitments within the community health service infrastructure, the ERHA is unable to proceed with the development at this stage. All capital development by health boards, including the ERHA, is funded through the national development plan. Since the commencement of the plan there has been significant investment throughout the health service, including the community health sector. The Department of Health and Children is reviewing from a national perspective the NDP for each health board, including the ERHA, in the light of the outturn position for 2002. This process encompasses provision for existing capital contractual commitments and, where possible, the planning or construction of new projects nationally in 2003 or beyond. It is in this context that capital developments for the ERHA are being considered. My Department fully appreciates the importance of progressing such developments and will continue to work closely with the authority in relation to prioritising its overall capital needs in line with the funding resources available under the NDP.