Funding for new units at Naas Hospital held up even further due to red tape review

Health Minister Simon Harris has been quizzed over the delay in providing  funding for the New Endoscopy Unit, New Physical Medicine Unit, New Physical Therapy Unit, New Oncology Services and Day procedure departments at Naas Hospital.

It was originally promised that construction would begin on the new unit in 2015, but future funding for the project has not even been assured as of yet, with Minister Harris stating to Kildare North Labour representative Emmet Stagg that it will be considered when a mid-term review is completed later this year.

Criticising the delay in sanctioning funding for the project Mr. Stagg stated:

"Planning Permission for the New Endoscopy Unit and other services was granted on 22 December, 2014. Former Health Minister Leo Varadkar stated in response to a Dail Question on 21st January, 2015 that it was expected that project construction could commence in the second half of 2015.

"Mr Varadkar stated in response to a Dail Question in October 2015 that the project was included in the Capital Plan and that the Government were keen to get it started and have the works under way sooner rather than later.

"Since October 2015 to date the Health Minister has stated that all projects including the Naas one are subject to review to ensure that the projects deliver value for money, including future proofing, which had resulted in a significant increase in the scope of the Naas project and as a consequence its estimated cost."

Mr Stagg stated that the delay 'was not good enough' and vowed to continue to put pressure on Minister Harris over the issue.