Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Nolan for raising this issue. On behalf of the Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, I acknowledge the Deputy's work in advocating for the people of counties Offaly and Laois. I know she has concerns about the progress of the delivery of a planned primary care centre in Birr. Although the HSE has responsibility for the delivery of such centres, there is, of course, a level of engagement with officials in the Department of Health on those projects. I welcome the opportunity to update the Deputy on this important project.

First, I assure the Deputy that the HSE has not abandoned proposals for a primary care centre in Birr. In fact, it is continuing to work closely with local GPs and is engaging with private developers to ensure the residents of Birr and its surrounding area will ultimately have access to a purpose-designed, well-equipped, high-quality facility. The development of these centres, like other building projects, is dependent on many outside factors, including the suitability of available locations and planning processes. An additional complicating factor with this development is the desire to secure the commitment of local GPs to sharing accommodation and delivering healthcare services alongside HSE staff in support of a multidisciplinary team approach to patient care.

I understand that the original site identified for the centre was at the existing rugby club facilities in Birr and that agreement had been reached between the HSE and local GPs on developing this location. However, planning permission was refused by An Bord Pleanála in June 2018. This was an extremely disappointing development but the continued commitment to deliver a centre was demonstrated by the HSE's inclusion of Birr in a national advertisement in May 2019 seeking expressions of interest to deliver centres under the operational lease model. This advertisement resulted in a number of potential locations being identified in Birr. Offaly County Council proposed a site known locally as the rectory lands.

Discussions are continuing on how best to proceed, although they have been somewhat hampered by the Covid-19 crisis. I am aware that local GPs have indicated that they do not wish to pursue the council's option and their preference remains the original rugby club site. I understand they intend to make a submission under the new Offaly county development plan to that effect. The HSE has recently written to interested parties identified in the May 2019 advertisement inviting them to submit their best and final offer for the development and operation of a primary care centre in Birr. The HSE hopes these submissions, when returned, will be considered early next year and, in the absence of further issues arising, enable an indicative centre operational date of quarter 3, 2022.

I have no doubt that Deputy Nolan and the local community in Birr are frustrated by the delays in progressing this project, but there should be no doubt that there is still a commitment to building a primary care centre in Birr. The HSE and other stakeholders continue to work to make that plan a reality and fulfil the Sláintecare vision of delivering better care, closer to people's homes and in their local communities.

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