Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Maura Hopkins:I have a number of questions arising from the Minister of State's response. We are aware there is a shift in providing community mental health services. Similar to the issue raised in the previous Commencement matter there are challenges with the staffing of these community mental health services. I ask that the Minister of State would note this, especially in the context of the Roscommon-Galway services.

Is there a timeframe with regard to Oak Grove House being the last building on the campus, and which is still in service? Replacement accommodation is being developed and perhaps the Minister of State will indicate the timing for that. The Minister of State said the report is currently being reviewed by the OPW. Do we have a timeframe for that report and will its content be made public?

These buildings are very important for what could be an economic regeneration of Ballinasloe and the wider region. Ballinasloe is very well located. It is near to two motorways. It has access to Dublin and to Shannon Airport. It has rail links and high-speed broadband. Surely, the State should be trying to bring those buildings back into a place where they can support the economic development of the region. I ask the Minister of State to raise it at Cabinet level that this is an important priority for our region. It is important the Minister of State does whatever he can to emphasise this with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Donohoe. We need those buildings to be repurposed.We also need to ensure they remain within State ownership to allow for the economic regeneration of the town.