Vol. 426 No. 5
299 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health his views on whether the dilapidated health centre in Carnew, County Wicklow deserves particular attention; and if he will make his views on the general state of health centres in rural areas clear to the Eastern Health Board with particular reference to Carnew, Roundwood and the urban area of Bray, County Wicklow.
The Eastern Health Board has health centres in each of the following locations in Wicklow: Annamoe, Arklow, Aughrim, Avoca, Baltinglass, Ballyknocken, Barndarrig, Blessington, Bray (3), Carnew, Delgany, Donard, Dunlavin, Enniskerry, Greystones, Hollywood, Kilcoole, Kiltegan, Knockananna, Knockenarrigan, Newtownmountkennedy, Rathdangan, Rathdrum, Roundwood, Shillelagh, Tinahely and Wicklow.
The health board has confirmed that the centres are regularly and well maintained.
Of the health centres listed above the following were constructed since 1971: Arklow, Barndarrig, Blessington, Donard, Greystones, Knockananna, Shillelagh and Wicklow — incorporated in the new administrative headquarters. In addition, extensive renovations are currently being carried out to the health centre in Newtownmountkennedy.
With regard to the health centre in Carnew, this building, while small, is structurally sound and well decorated and maintained. The need to provide additional accommodation is being examined by the Eastern Health Board.
In relation to the health centre at Roundwood the health board has obtained full planning permission for the erection of a new health centre. They expect that work will commence on this centre later this year.
At present health services in Bray are provided from three strategic locations. These are:— (1) Strand Road where improvements costing up to £7,000 were carried out; (2) Saint Cronans which was acquired recently from Bray UDC. There are two separate modern buildings fitted out as dental suites with modern up-to-date equipment and (3) Killarney Road; the building here is in good repair and has recently been painted internally and externally.
