Louth TDs rail against proposed Lourdes name change

Louth TDs spoke in the Dáil yesterday on the proposed name change for Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.

Sinn Féin's Imelda Munster raised the matter, saying that the proposal was being made "without any prior public consultation whatsoever."

She continued, saying:

"The people are outraged by this proposed name change without any public consultation. The hospital manager has stated it was time for real change but surely it would be better to concentrate on and effect real change by curbing hospital waiting lists or providing a second badly-needed X-ray room. The people of Drogheda want to be consulted on this matter."

In his question to An Taoiseach, Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick said:

"This unnecessary box-ticking exercise - stripping away heritage and culture - has been railroaded through without any consultation with the people of Drogheda and Louth.

"This attempt to whitewash a legacy could begin a journey down slippery slope to get rid of more historic names, objects and landmarks that somehow offend or are not seen as progressive.

"Names are powerful and they have meanings. They are a link to past generations and our culture, honour and history.

"This hospital was named by Mother Mary Martin in honour of Our Blessed Lady and should remain so in honour of Mother Mary Martin and the community that helped to build, run and maintain Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda."

Fianna Fáil's Declan Breathnach said:

"I will not delay the business of the House other than to say that I fully concur with the sentiments expressed by the previous two speakers."

He went on to say:

"It is wrong to try to disrespect the legacy of those who founded the hospital and the investment made in it, not to mention the fact that locally it is called the Lourdes hospital, and I see nothing wrong with that as that is the heritage and the history.

"To suggest we would rename the hospital and spend millions of euro on that - we will be told it will not cost much but a significant cost is involved when there is a change in the paperwork, signage and so on - is ridiculous.

"It is incumbent on both the Minister for Health and the Taoiseach to call a halt to any suggestion made in respect of this hospital. What is proposed is nothing short of a disgrace."

In his response, Taoiseach Leo Varadker said:

"There is nothing in the programme for Government or in legislation on this matter but I appreciate that it is an issue of great concern to the Deputies from County Louth.

"No matter what the name of the hospital is officially, it will always be the Lourdes hospital for people in Drogheda. I agree that it would be appropriate for management to consult with local representatives and the community before making any change.

"A change does not require Government approval but it is a hospital that serves a community and it is only right that the community should be involved in any decision to change the name."

In the Dundalk Democrat poll which asks the people of Louth what they think the name should be changed to, 64% have said not to change the name at all.