Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 245: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the stage of development of phase 2b of the Midland Regional Hospital at Mullingar; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26271/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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In accordance with Department of Finance requirements, no capital project in the Health Sector costing more than €30 million can proceed without a detailed cost benefit analysis being completed. This requirement applies to capital projects at the following locations: Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dún Laoghaire and Phase 2B Stage 2 of the Longford/Westmeath Hospital at Mullingar.

In relation to Longford/Westmeath Hospital, it should be noted that the completion of Stage 1 of Phase 2B of the development is not affected. This involves the fitting out of ward accommodation in a shelled-out area that was constructed in the 1990s and will provide a net increase of 45 beds. This project went to tender on 23 June last and the target date for completion is mid-2007.