Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy McGrath, for coming to the Seanad on this important issue. On Saturday last I attended the Architecture at the Edge festival. It took place on the campus of the former St. Brigid's Hospital in Ballinasloe, County Galway. I sincerely thank all those involved in that really fantastic event. Professor Oonagh Walsh provided a really great insight into the history of the hospital and the hugely significant role the Connacht Asylum, or St. Brigid's Hospital, played in the development of the town and region after its opening in 1833. At its peak, the hospital accommodated more than 2,000 patients, before the main campus eventually closed in 2013.

That is the history part; our focus now needs to turn to the future. Having taken the opportunity to walk around the grounds at the weekend, I was really taken aback at the rate of deterioration of the hospital buildings, particularly over recent months. It will not take too much more vandalism before we begin to lose these buildings forever. It is important to say that the people of Ballinasloe are very proud of the role St. Brigid's Hospital played in supporting people and in the history of their town. The current state of the premises, however, is of major concern to the people of the area. It is against that backdrop that we need to work on repurposing these buildings and the land in order to see St. Brigid's campus once again become a key part of the economic development of the town and wider region. That is a really important point in terms of its history. St. Brigid's Hospital was important to the economic development of the town and wider region. We need to now ensure that these buildings are brought back into use so that they can contribute to the economic development of the town and wider region.

Our immediate priority needs to be securing the old buildings. As I have said, with each month that passes, their conditions deteriorate. This will ultimately lead to higher restoration costs. In the longer term, we need to have an achievable vision for the future of the campus. We have a very good example in the redevelopment of the Grangegorman campus, of which I am sure the Minister of State is very aware. We need to see a similar priority given to the St. Brigid's site. I look forward to hearing from the Minister of State in this regard.