Serious doubts have arisen over developments in health and transport in Donegal as budget cuts are revealed to cover the National Children’s Hospital overspend.
The A5 dual carriageway project and three Community Hospital projects in Donegal are facing setbacks as the government attempts to remedy the €100M fallout from the children’s hospital crisis.
It has emerged that the government is pulling €27 million which was initially promised for the A5 dual carriageway, blaming a lack of progress from Stormont. This funding is set to be provided at a later date.
Meanwhile, cuts to the health sector will impact three Community Hospitals, namely St Joseph’s Community Hospital, Ramelton Community Hospital and Lifford Community.
Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher hit out at Minister Joe McHugh today it was confirmed that works on three Donegal Community Hospital will be deferred.
Deputy Gallagher said the diversion of funds is ‘bad news’ for the communities who fought to retain local services.
He said: “This is a shocking decision especially in the context that today (12th of February) is the third anniversary of the original march by the communities served by these three respective Hospitals – on that occasion thousands of people took to the street to protest at the then Government decision to downgrade the three hospitals.”
Pat the Cope also criticised the Government for diverting funds from the Department of Transport to the detriment of the A5 project.
He said: “Donegal, as a county, does not have motorway access to the major cities on the island and our future growth and prosperity was totally reliant on this road network being delivered. The current A5/N2 road network is in need of urgent upgrading and the current road is no longer fit for purpose.
“Two weeks ago, Minister Ross confirmed to me that the roads grant budget for Donegal has been decreased. Donegal county has one of the top five road networks in the country in terms of mileage, but funding never reflects that reality. Now, even more funding has been taken away from our roads as the A5 project is delayed again. The Government’s strategy towards Donegal is one of continual neglect and removal of funds at present,” he said.
Deputy Gallagher commented that it seems as though Donegal is bearing the maximum level of cuts being imposed by the Cabinet.
He said: “The Governments has hit Donegal the hardest following their mismanagement of the Children’s Hospital project. Roads projects delayed, Community Hospitals deferred before they start and perhaps even more cuts are to follow when the full details of these cuts are revealed. It is self-evident that no one is wearing the Donegal jersey around the Cabinet Table at present.”
