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Primary Care Centres

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 September 2020

Tuesday, 15 September 2020

Ceisteanna (43)

Paul McAuliffe

Ceist:

43. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health the status of the Finglas primary care centre [22250/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí ó Béal (7 píosaí cainte)

I welcome the Ministers of State, Deputies Butler, Rabbitte and Feighan, to the House. Having waited eight years for a Minister to champion their primary care centre, the people of Finglas will be delighted that three Ministers of State have come along all at once. This project dates back to 2012. The HSE, local GPs, elected representatives and the community all agree on the need for a primary care centre. The budget and plans were in place and the HSE proceeded, despite being advised by local representatives that planning difficulties would arise on the site suggested. Unfortunately An Bord Pleanála, the independent body making the decision, refused planning permission for that site. There was an unsatisfactory delay of almost eight years in the HSE's identification of a new site but the partnership of Dublin City Council and the local parish has now reached that point. I ask the Department of Health to do everything it can to expedite this. The people of Finglas want to see a fire lit under this project. They want to see it delivered.

The Deputy was supposed to have 30 seconds. I inadvertently took my eye off the clock.

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue of the provision of a primary care centre in Finglas. The development of primary care is central to the Government's objective of delivering a high-quality, integrated and cost-effective healthcare system.

As the Deputy is aware, Finglas has been identified as a location for the development of a primary care centre. As he pointed out, approval for a HSE direct-build primary care centre was granted in 2012. Following review of several sites in the area, a Dublin City Council-owned property on Mellowes Road, Finglas, was identified as the preferred site. Subject to planning permission, the commercial terms for the sale were agreed with officials of Dublin City Council and approved by the HSE.

The planning permission was appealed to An Bord Pleanála, where an inspector upheld the Dublin City Council decision. However, in February 2015 An Bord Pleanála took the unexpected decision not to grant planning permission for the Finglas primary care centre due to the loss of informal open space.

Following this refusal, HSE estates, in conjunction with local primary care services teams, identified an alternative site for a new primary care centre in Finglas and initiated discussions with Dublin City Council in respect of purchasing the site on terms agreeable to both parties.

  Feasibility studies on the site are still progressing.  The HSE will be tendering for the services of a design team to progress the proposed project to completion in the near future, subject to agreeable conclusion to the site purchase.

I appreciate the Minister of State outlining some of the difficulties with the site, but it is clearly water long under the bridge since 2012. What people want to know now is, first, when will the design team be initiated? I appreciate that the Minister of State confirmed it will be appointed, but when will that be done? Second, is the funding in the capital programme to deliver this project? There is no reason that should not be the case. As the Minister of State noted, there is great need for this service. All of the people whom the Minister of State serves, whether they be children with disabilities, older people or those with mental health or addiction issues, will benefit from this site being developed. I ask each of the Ministers of State present to use their influence within the Department and with the Minister, with whom I have previously raised this issue, to do all they can for the people of Finglas.

As I stated, feasibility studies in respect of the site are progressing. The HSE will be tendering for the services of a design team to progress the proposed project to completion in the near future, subject to agreeable conclusion to the site purchase. The HSE advised that discussions with Dublin City Council regarding the proposed primary care centre were delayed due to the pandemic but have recently reconvened in an effort to conclude the site purchase from the council on terms agreeable to both parties. I understand the Deputy's concerns regarding this primary care centre. I have seen such centres in many other areas and know they are of great benefit. They make a significant difference to the areas in which they are located. I know Finglas and that the people of Finglas and the surrounding area deserve a state-of-the-art building such as this one. I genuinely believe the Government will progress it and that the funding will be there.

I thank the Minister of State for his bona fides on this issue. I acknowledge that he is taking the question on behalf of the Minister. We have a very strong team in the Department, led by the Minister and the Ministers of State. I hope that they, working with me and other Government Deputies who represent the area, will be able to deliver on the commitments in the programme for Government and for the people I know each of them wish to serve.

Finglas was identified as a high priority location for the development of a primary care centre. As I stated, a HSE direct-build primary care centre was approved in 2012 in the HSE monthly capital annual plan. Primary care centres offer clear benefits such as bringing healthcare professionals together to operate as multidisciplinary teams in purpose-designed, well-equipped and high-quality modern facilities. This centre will be the focal point for many local health initiatives. I again thank the Deputy for raising this very important issue. I hope the people of Finglas and the surrounding area will have their much-needed primary care centre in the near future.

Question No. 44 replied to with Written Answers.
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