Move to resolve impasse over new Mayo health care building

A Mayo TD has expressed his disappointment that construction works continue to be halted on the multi-million-euro Primary Care Centre in Ballyhaunis.

Deputy Alan Dillon said the delays in relation to the construction of the centre occurred back in early 2022.

He explained: “Last October, I queried why work was not continuing on site with Senior HSE Management within the Primary Care Services at Community Health Care West and was told construction remains on hold in Ballyhaunis as the landlord agrees costs to completion with the contractor and his subcontractor.”

"Six months later, I again queried why this pause had not been resolved only to be told: 'The developer is having difficulty agreeing completion works with sub-contractors due to the increase in construction costs. The HSE is working in tandem with the developer within the bounds of the competitive process and lease agreement to access if rates can be increased.'"

Deputy Dillon added: “This primary care centre was scheduled to be operational in the final quarter of 2021.

"The delays at present are completely unacceptable for the people of Ballyhaunis and surrounding areas.

‘I have now written to the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, expressing my disappointment over the delays.

"I have requested that immediate support be provided by the Department of Health and HSE to help resolve this procurement dispute with the contractor and his subcontractors and for any outstanding issues to be addressed so the centre can be opened to the east Mayo community.

“This centre will be a significant development in the delivery of community-based health services and is due to provide a new GP practice, public health nursing, dental occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, home support, psychology, dietetics and podiatry.

"I will continue to push for the issues which are delaying construction of this project to be resolved."