Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

649. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to further reduce the size of the chapel at University Hospital Galway which had already been reduced in size previously; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45126/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Saolta Hospital Group advise that a section of the Chapel at University Hospital Galway is required to create an alternative waiting area for patients attending the Acute Medical Assessment Unit which is close by.

This waiting area is required due to two projects currently being undertaken at the hospital close to the Acute Medical Assessment Unit, namely the creation of a new Cardiothoracic Ward and the replacement of an MRI machine. Both projects have implications for the Unit, as patient space will be lost for periods during construction work.

The hospital is committed to returning the chapel to its original size once these works are completed in Q2 2022.