FRUSTRATIONS are mounting over the continued absence of the publication of a report into flooding at Letterkenny’s hospital.
A state of emergency had been declared following flooding in July 2013, which caused more than €25 million of damage at the hospital when a local drain burst its banks. The facility’s emergency, radiology, outpatient, medical records departments were all evacuated. Just one year later, the hospital flooded again.
Three years ago, the publication of the report into the flooding at the hospital was being reviewed by the HSE’s National Estates Team. A publication date had been expected imminently – but there has been silence since.
The length of time it is taking to publicise the report is causing frustration locally. Speaking to the Donegal News, Councillor Gerry McMonagle, who is also a member of the Regional Health Forum West, said the delay is unacceptable.
“We need to get to the bottom of this, this report needs to be published. The report still has not been given to us, despite repeated requests long before Covid-19.”
Cllr McMonagle said it was crucial the report addresses outstanding questions.
“We need to know if planning regulations were adhered to, was the criteria that had been set down adhered to and implemented? Was there already an issue with rising water levels, and what measures were in place to guard and mitigate against this?
“We’re told these answers are contained in the report. We were told shortly after the report was compiled it was in the hands of the solicitors to sign off on, but what is the delay?” Cllr McMonagle said he will raise the issue again at the next meeting of Regional Health Forum West.
The Donegal News has asked the HSE repeatedly for a response.
I had not been received at the time of going to press yesterday.
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