Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank Feighan, has said that the tender process to appoint a contractor to construct the €3m Endoscopy Unit at Roscommon County Hospital is making good progress.

Mr Feighan said: "Following an update from the project team this week, I understand a maximum of ten builders will be selected from the current pre-qualifying stage with the closing date for submissions taking place on October 1st next. The successful builder will be appointed at the conclusion of the tender process, which can take approximately three months to complete.

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"Going on current timescales, building works on the 14,000 square foot unit will commence early in the new year and will last approximately one year. I am delighted that this important project continues to make great strides and I look forward to Roscommon Hospital becoming a diagnostic centre for the western region.

"What this effectively means is that the Endoscopy Unit will facilitate scope procedures for patients from all over the West of Ireland. This includes colonoscopies and it is also hoped the service will be widened to offer Bronchoscopy, Cystoscopy and a range of other such like scope services. These procedures will be performed by Roscommon Hospital consultants and visiting consultants from other hospitals in the region.

"As part of the enabling works for this Endoscopy Unit, almost €700,000 is being invested in upgrading the hospital's mechanical and electrical infrastructure. I am delighted to say that the mechanical works, involving the upgrade of the boiler and building management system, has commenced while the electrical works project, which will see the installation of a new generator, will start very shortly."

(CD/JP)