Sligo projects could suffer due to spiralling cost of children’s hospital

SEVERAL Sligo projects could be put on the backburner as a result of the spiralling costs of the new children’s hospital in Dublin.

That’s according to Donal Gilroy, Fianna Fáil local election candidate for Sligo/ Drumcliff area.

“Hearing our Taoiseach state this week that Capital health projects may be ‘deferred’ due to the spiralling cost of the new National Children’s Hospital should send a chill down the spine of the long-suffering health service users in the north west,” he said.

“We are always last on the list to receive health investment but the first to lose out when funding difficulties occur.

“If key health service investments are shelved, we can be assured the north west will suffer the brunt of the cutbacks.

“Many of the projects currently planned will have to be redesigned at considerable expense to meet the new regulations. Some of the projects likely to be affected in this region are as follows and I am sure there are many more.

“Unfortunately, the truth on when these projects are likely to be completed is very hard to find.” Acute Mental Health Unit

Gilroy said: “Work started last month on the long awaited Acute Mental health unit at Sligo University Hospital, but all may not be as it seems.

“Is this the contract to build the new unit or is it just the contract to demolish pre-fabricated buildings and temporary parking facilities?

“Will construction properly start on this soon or will it be put on the long finger again?”

Diabetes Day Unit

“Planning was received and indicative funding approval for a new diabetes day unit in 2016.

“Tenders were sought in 2017 and the tenders were received in February 2018.

“Not only is there no sign of this long overdue project starting but the site for this unit is being used as a temporary car park while the acute mental health unit is being built.

“The necessity for this unit right now is notably in line with the current nursing crisis.”

Primary Care Centres North Sligo

“A new Primary Care Centre is planned for Grange and is currently proceeding slowly through the planning process, in fact Sligo County Council are awaiting Further Information requested from the HSE on June 21st, 2018.

“The delay is worrying and may signal a plan to scrap the idea totally and blame the planning process in order to kick it down the road until the National Children’s Hospital is complete.

“A satellite health centre planned for Drumcliff is also awaiting capital funding with planning already secured.

“This could also be at risk of being deferred while all funds are diverted to the high-profile projects in Dublin.”

Cregg House

“All residents of Cregg House who are among the most vulnerable in our society are due to be housed in the community by 2020 and the premises handed back to the owners.

“This will inevitably involve a requirement for capital funding to purchase dwellings in the community.

“How much of this money will now be held up?

“Will this funding be available? Will the vulnerable be forgotten again?”