Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Taoiseach's comments regarding the additional allocation of €240 million for the community healthcare networks. The implementation of the Sláintecare vision for primary care facilities is crucial for creating a more accessible and effective healthcare system. There is certainly a focus on increasing the capacity and availability of primary care centres, but one issue I draw to the Taoiseach's attention relates to the delay in the provision of the Ballyhaunis primary care centre, which has been on hold since early 2022. This is deeply concerning for members of the local community who require urgent attention. I recently raised this with the Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, who informed me the developer is facing difficulties reaching an agreement with the subcontractors due to escalated construction costs. This delay, which I am sure is reflected in other projects, is of real concern. The centre was originally scheduled to be operational in the final quarter of 2021. It is of the utmost importance for the people of east Mayo and the surrounding areas that the challenges are promptly resolved and the centre is completed and operational. I urge the Taoiseach to engage with his Cabinet colleague to find a solution to this issue. It is vital we get swift action to ensure progress on the construction of the Ballyhaunis primary care centre.

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