Specialist cladding inspectors have been called in to investigate Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda along with four other hospitals.

Sinn Féin TD for Louth, Gerry Adams, said the news that HSE has confirmed that Our Lady of Lourdes is one of five hospitals in the "highest risk" category is "a matter of great public concern".

The former party president has now written to Health Minister Simon Harris asking for details.

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"People were horrified by the disastrous fire in June 2017 in London which killed 71 people," Mr Adams said.

"The fire was linked to cladding used on the outside of the block of flats.

The news that the HSE has confirmed that Our Lady of Lourdes is one of five hospitals in the "highest risk" category is a matter of great public concern.

"I welcome the fact that the HSE has now decided to initiate this investigation, following an evaluation process, but I am concerned that this is only taking place now over a year after the Grenfell fire occurred.

"I have written to the Minister asking for detail about the on-site inspections that have taken place; what remedial action, if any, has been taken in respect of hospitals in Louth; and when he expects to complete the investigation into Our Lady of Lourdes and the four other hospitals."

(LM)