Fine Gael is calling for the upgrade to the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) in Dun Laoghaire to push ahead.

Dun Laoghaire TD, Mary Mitchell O' Connor, is urging all interested parties to engage in the design process.

She said: "The NRH is submitting a planning application to An Bord Pleanala in the coming weeks to replace the existing beds and therapy services on the campus. This will be the first purpose-built rehabilitation facility in Ireland, and will replace all existing patient ward accommodation with new purpose designed patient bedrooms and integrated rehabilitation-specific treatment spaces.

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"If everything goes to plan and approval is granted, a contractor will be appointed and it is hoped that the project will be completed by mid-2017."

The first stage of the upgrade will include building the 120 bedroom hospital, an 8 bedroom Paediatric unit, a special brain injury unit, a sports hall for wheelchair rugby and basketball, a hydrotherapy pool and integrated therapy rooms. Each room will have a patient information system pad and will use advanced technology for voice control and slight movement control.

(CD/MH)