With regard to the provision of new health centres generally, the position is that the identification, prioritisation and provision of such facilities to meet the needs of local communities within its functional area, is a matter for the relevant health board or the Eastern Regional Health Authority, ERHA. In the case of Mulhuddart, this responsibility rests with the ERHA.
The ERHA has indicated that the development of a new health centre would constitute a regional priority, in the context of the community health service requirements in the Mulhuddart area. However, given the resources available for capital developments, the ERHA was unable to proceed with this development this year. This position will be reviewed again in 2005 under the capital investment framework, in the context of priorities for development in this care programme and overall capital funding availability.