Primary Care Centres Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 November 2019

Tuesday, 26 November 2019

Questions (54, 344, 348)

Pat Casey

Question:

54. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Health the status of the proposed new primary care centres in Arklow and Rathdrum, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48885/19]

Pat Casey

Question:

344. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Health the status of the primary care centre for Rathdrum, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49115/19]

Pat Casey

Question:

348. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Health the status of the development of the Arklow primary care centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49145/19]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 54, 344 and 348 together.

I am pleased to be able to inform the Deputy that the development of the Primary Care Centres in Arklow and Rathdrum is being progressed.

I know that there has been some concern around the development of Arklow Primary Care Centre given the decision by the original preferred bidder not to proceed with the project. However, I am pleased to say that an alternative developer has been identified, and a Letter of Intent to develop a centre via operational lease was issued in July 2019. I understand that a review of the existing building design and planning conditions has been undertaken and that a new planning application to amend the existing grant of planning has been submitted.

The Rathdrum Primary Care Centre is further advanced and I understand that the HSE is in contract discussions with the developer.

Unfortunately, it is not possible at this stage to provide a definitive operational date for the two centres. Nonetheless, delivering these projects is representative of this Government's support for the development of the primary care sector. There are now 128 Primary Care Centres in operation with a further 20 centres expected to open by the end of 2020.

These modern, well-equipped and accessible premises support the development of primary care services in line with the vision of Sláintecare.