A multi-million euro extension to Sligo General Hospital looks set to go ahead with news that the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Mary Coughlan, has just announced the completion of the required cost-benefit analysis for the project.

She has therefore given her approval for the HSE to request the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) to appoint technical advisors to the project.

The NDFA is the State agency responsible for all aspects of delivering the procurement of public private partnerships (PPP). The extension at Sligo General Hospital has been approved for development as a PPP and the request the NDFA to appoint technical advisors following the completion of the cost benefit analysis marks a pivotal point in delivery of the project.

The development at Sligo is for a major new structure and extension to the hospital, which will provide accommodation for Accident and Emergency; 57 Surgical Beds; Paediatrics Department; Obstetrics Department and Intensive Care and High Dependency Units.

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Planning permission was lodged last November for enabling works for the project, including a ring road, car-parking and utilities, and it is envisaged that these works will go tender later this spring.

Following completion of the cost-benefit analysis and request to the NDFA for the appointment of technical advisors, the wider planning application is now on track to be made through the PPP process in early 2012.

The Tánaiste said: "Two weeks ago, Sligo General Hospital was selected as a candidate colonoscopy centre to support the national colorectal cancer screening programme that will be introduced early next year.

"This announcement is further very positive news for Sligo. The project will transform the physical infrastructure of the hospital allowing for additional capacity, superior patient treatment and comfort, as well as the optimum-working environment for staff.

"The board of the NDFA will now meet later this month to consider the appointment of technical advisers to the project, and I am now confident that we will have a planning application made through a public private partnership early in 2012," she said.

"I am delighted to be in a position make this announcement and to advance the project. I believe it demonstrates our long-term commitment to Sligo General Hospital and to the highest level of patient care in the North West."

(BMcC/GK)