Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
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748. To ask the Minister for Health when the 75-bed extension to University Hospital Galway will commence; the timeframe for its completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13526/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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There are two major developments currently underway in Galway. Construction work is ongoing on the new 75 bed ward block which will provide single room in-patient accommodation. Construction work commenced July 2015, is currently on schedule and it is envisaged that work will be completed by the end of Q4, 2016, after which equipping and commissioning would take place in Q1, 2017.

Also, a new acute mental health department is underway and is expected to be completed early in 2017. Following the transfer of mental health services to the new acute department work will begin on the construction of the National Plan for Radiation Oncology project for which the HSE has already obtained planning permission.

The Programme for a Partnership Government has also committed to progressing a new ED facility for University Hospital Galway. The HSE Capital Plan 2016 includes funding for a full option appraisal and Cost Benefit Analysis to inform planning and funding requirements for a new ED at GUH. A cost benefit analysis in relation to a new ED is in its final stages and it is anticipated that this will be completed shortly. If favourable, this will go to design phase in 2016.

Pending the development of a new ED in GUH, in order to alleviate pressures and to ensure that patient experience in the existing GUH ED is improved, 30 additional beds opened at the hospital in early 2016.

Future investment in individual hospitals must be considered within the overall acute hospital infrastructure programme and establishment of hospital groups.