The development of the proposed 50-bed unit at Sacred Heart Hospital, Roscommon is being delayed because of a request to have an Ecological Study carried out to ensure there is no potential risk to bats in the area.

The proposed development consists of a new two-storey building with a state of the art 50-bed unit, new catering area, 60 car parking spaces and 15 bicycle spaces as well as some refurbishment works to present single-storey building plus new gas and oxygen storage facilities.

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy says a planning application was submitted by the HSE on May 26 last, for the development. Subsequently, the HSE was requested to submit an Ecological Impact Study.

He says he understands that there was some concern about the flight of the bat and that is why the HSE has now submitted the required study.

It will be at least another month or so before a decision can be expected.

With over a million euro in place by government for the development, Senator Murphy insists the development must proceed.

“The 50 bed unit is a must so as to accommodate the needs of elderly people in the county,” Mr Murphy said.

It also would be a major boost for Roscommon town as this will be a multi-million euro development if it gets the go ahead.”