Funding delay: The new wing of a hospital in the midlands which has been lying idle for eight years, will now not be fitted out until 2007, it has emerged.
The five-storey block at the Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar was finished in 1997.
However, except for one floor which is being used, it is like a warehouse, locals have said.
The delay in equipping and staffing phase 2b of the hospital has been the subject of controversy for years.
A deputation from the former midland health board met the then Minister for Health Micheál Martin to voice concern in April 2001.
Subsequently, Mr Martin promised he would make a decision on funding for the unit within three months. It did not happen.
Moreover, as recently as last month large numbers of people protested on the streets of Mullingar to vent their anger at the continuing failure to open the unit.
Now Minister for Health Mary Harney has confirmed the wing will not be fitted out until 2007. This is despite it being "fast-tracked", as Ms Harney put it.
"The Health Service Executive has made provision to progress the phase 2b development at Mullingar within the health capital investment framework 2005-2009," she said.
"It was recently decided to fast-track the first phase of the development, which involves the completion of the fit-out of ward accommodation in the shelled out area.
"The design team is currently preparing detailed drawings with the intention of going to tender in March 2006 . . . Planning permission is also to be sought, and the target completion date for the fit-out of the shelled area is early 2007," she added.
When finished the new wing will accommodate new services including an acute psychiatric unit.
Ms Harney said the HSE estimated it would cost an extra €10 million a year to run the new facilities and she had ordered a review of this figure.
"Given the significant level of additional annual revenue costs associated with the project, I have asked that an independent review of the estimate be conducted to ensure that the estimate represents best value for money.
"The terms of reference for the review are currently being finalised," she said.
"A steering group will oversee the review and will facilitate access to other healthcare facilities, which the reviewer may consider it necessary to examine.
"It is intended that the review will be completed prior to the project going to tender as planned, and therefore will not delay the project," according to the Tánaiste.
Ms Harney was responding to a parliamentary question from local Fine Gael TD Paul McGrath. He described news that the unit wouldn't be fitted out until 2007 as an "excessive delay" and "an election ploy".
The next general election is due to take place in 2007.