€2.5m endoscopy contracts signed

CONTRACTS for a planned €2.5 million endoscopy unit at Ennis Hospital have been signed.

A planning application for the development, including equipment, was lodged with Ennis Town Council in recent weeks.

Barring an unexpected major planning issue, it is expected that approval will be given later this year, with a projected opening time next March or April.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has signed an agreement with O’Brien Builders, Miltown Malbay, to carry out the works.

Planning consultants, acting on behalf of the HSE, have been in regular contact with county council planners to resolve any concerns as quickly as possible.

The official signing of the contracts was welcomed by Deputy Pat Breen, who expressed concern earlier this year about the absence of a written HSE commitment to fund the new unit. He also said he was disappointed the 2010 HSE Service Plan contained no commitment to fund this vital diagnostic facility.