Fine Gael Roscommon/South Leitrim TD, Frank Feighan, has welcomed the substantial progress made so far on the state-of-the-art €3 million Endoscopy Unit planned for Roscommon County Hospital.

"Since planning permission was granted for the new Endoscopy Unit in Roscommon County Hospital in June, the project has been making great progress with the news that the pre-selection process to advertise for suitable contractors will commence this week.

"This prequalifying period involves identifying suitable contractors for the project. Once this phase concludes, the formal tender process will get underway to appoint the contractor to construct the Endoscopy Suite.

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"I understand that, once the prequalifying process is complete, the project is expected to go out to formal tender in October. Looking at these current timescales, the contractor could possibly be on site by the end of the year. I am delighted that the project is making great strides and I look forward to Roscommon Hospital becoming a diagnostic centre for the Western region.

"What this effectively means is that the 14,000 square foot Endoscopy Unit will facilitate scope procedures for colonoscopy patients from all over the west of Ireland. It is also hoped that this service will be expanded to include bronchoscopy, cystoscopy and a range of other scope services. These procedures will be performed by Roscommon Hospital consultants and visiting consultants from other hospitals in the network."

(CD)