Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted that a planning application could be lodged by late 2019. I understand that these applications take time but it must be ensure that the significant development under the auspices of the National Rehabilitation Hospital will be located in Roscommon. When it becomes operational, it will lead to 50 jobs. That means there will be more than 500 jobs in Roscommon University Hospital and I take great pleasure that this is so, given that people said the hospital would close. The Minister of State said the hospital was experiencing traffic congestion and parking difficulties, for which solutions will need to be found as part of the planning process. However, I take a little bit of credit in this regard and I laugh to myself about the fact that people said there would be no business in Roscommon hospital. In fact, we are experiencing significant traffic problems because it is twice as busy. I thank the Minister of State for his response. We will continue to ensure that the National Rehabilitation Hospital will be located in Roscommon for the west of Ireland.