Frustration at Mayo primary care centre delays raised in Dáil
FRUSTRATION has been voiced by Deputy Michael Ring over the lack of urgency on progressing the stalled primary care centre project in Ballyhaunis.
Deputy Ring raised the issue during the topical issue debate in the Dáil yesterday.
Ballyhaunis Primary Care Centre was due to be completed in October 2020 yet works are at a standstill since 2021.
He strongly questioned what is happening with the project, when will it be completed and why are the government not stepping in. “The government stepped in for the National Children’s Hospital so the same should be done here.”
Local election candidate Alma Gallagher has been consistently pushing the matter for the past year, he said, trying to get answers from the HSE but to no avail.
Minister of State Colm Burke, who dealt with the matter on behalf of the Minister of Health, said the operational lease model is often the preferred model for developing centres. Under the model, the HSE enters fixed-term leases with developers. The HSE identifies the locations requiring primary care centres and invites interested parties to express their interest in providing suitable accommodation. The centre in Ballyhaunis is being delivered by way of this model.
The department, he said, is aware that construction on Ballyhaunis centre has been stalled for a considerable time and is aware of the frustration this has caused the people of the town.
“Unfortunately, the preferred provider of the new primary care centre in Ballyhaunis has indicated a potential issue regarding the viability of the project. Subsequently, engagement has taken place between the HSE and the developer to understand the nature and extent of the issue.
“However, should the preferred provider be unable to proceed, the HSE has reassured the minister that it will be exploring all options to deliver a new primary care centre in the area.
“In this regard, the minister wishes to assure the deputy that this government remains committed to the provision of the primary care centre in Ballyhaunis and to the continued development of primary care centres throughout the country.”
Deputy Ring said he was disappointed with the response, saying he didn't feel there is an urgency from the department concerning the project.
He said: “I asked the Minister of State to go back to the department. I want clearer dates. I want to know if the department is sitting down with the contractor or if it is going to get a new contractor. All I want to know is when this job will start again and when the contract will be completed in Ballyhaunis. Nothing in this response has satisfied me that anything is happening.”
Said Minister Burke: “I fully understand the frustration and so does the minister. As was noted, the HSE is engaging with the developer to address the barriers to moving forward with the completion of this primary care centre. Should the preferred provider be unable to proceed, the HSE has reassured the minister that it will be exploring all options to deliver a new primary care centre for the area.”