In the first instance, the provision of health centres to meet the needs of local communities and the maintenance and upgrading of such centres within its functional area is a matter for the relevant health board or the Eastern Regional Health Authority. In the case of Glanmire, County Cork, this responsibility rests with the Southern Health Board, SHB.
My Department approved a capital grant of £200,000, almost €254,000, in June 2000 for the purchase of a site for this development. I have been advised by the SHB that the purchase of this site has almost been completed.
My Department will be in a position to consider the question of funding for the design and construction of the proposed development when the SHB has completed the purchase of the site and forward a detailed submission on this project.