Preparations for new Omagh hospital project well underway

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has welcomed the programme of site works that are currently underway in preparation for the New Omagh Hospital project.

Site works valued at £5.5million include some building demolition, decanting existing accommodation and putting in place the infrastructure for essential services for the new hospital such as water, electricity, sewage and drainage.

To date the programme has provided employment for in excess of 100 construction workers with 15 of these being new jobs.

Commenting on this phase of the development the Minister said: “The new £190million hospital project in Omagh is an excellent development for the local area. It will be a new modern facility that will meet 70%-80% of the local community’s health and social care needs. The site is now being prepared to facilitate future building work. This development clearly demonstrates my commitment to the hospital and it is a real and tangible sign to the people of Omagh that the new hospital is being delivered as promised.

“The hospital represents a major investment for Omagh, not only terms of health and social care but also for the construction industry. I am extremely encouraged that the local economy is already benefiting from the project by not only securing, but creating employment in this challenging economic climate.”

The Minister concluded: “I would like to commend the Western Health and Social Care Trust for the excellent progress that has been made to date in both this project and the new acute hospital in Enniskillen.”

Western HSC Trust Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Planning and Performance Management Joe Lusby added: “The progression of the enabling works programme is a significant milestone for the Omagh Hospital project which it is anticipated will be completed in 2013. In developing the new hospitals we are committed to obtaining the maximum value from the investment in the local economy. We are delighted at being able to produce this level of employment at such an early stage of the project which will lead to further employment over the next three to five years."

Norman Ogilby, Contracts Manager from the Tyrone based firm Louerne Construction which is currently working on the site commented: “Louerne Construction is delighted to have been awarded a contract in preparation for the new Omagh Hospital. At a time of downturn in the construction industry, when many firms are reducing their workforce, it is great to be in position where we have work for our staff, many of whom have worked for us for many years. It is even better to actually create new jobs and to find this valuable work close to home.”

The next phase of the preparatory work will include further site remodelling, developing a new link road and carrying out improvements to the existing Donaghanie Road.

Notes to Editors:

1. The enabling works programme includes:

• Provision of new hot water boiler and steam plant
• Sewage diversion and associated pumping infrastructure
• Demolition of buildings
• NIE network upgrade and site distribution
• Refurbishment of Oak and Ash villas
• Environmental Measures
• Remedial works to existing buildings within site.

2. List of local Companies involved

• Louerne Construction, Strabane, County Tyrone
• McCallan Bros Ltd, Carrickmore, County Tyrone
• McAleer & Teague, Dromore, County Tyrone
• RG Loughlin, Castlederg, County Tyrone
• Lilburn Contracts, Hillsborough, County Down
• Kane Heating, Castlewellan, County Down

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