Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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100. To ask the Minister for Health if he will report on progress to provide a network of primary healthcare centres in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59225/21]

Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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I seek an update on the provision of a network of primary care health centres in County Clare.

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I am very pleased to inform the Deputy that a number of primary care centre developments are being progressed in County Clare. In addition to the existing primary care centre in Westbury, the site at Station Road, Ennis, is under construction and is expected to be operational by mid-summer 2022. The HSE is also continuing to work with a developer on another centre in Ennis on the Tulla Road and is awaiting the outcome of a planning matter currently with An Bord Pleanála. A further project in Ennistymon is progressing, with HSE's estates division working directly with the promoter of the top-ranked proposal following a review of priced offers.

The HSE is also engaged in a review of the current facilities and the overall accommodation requirements for the Kilrush area, while expressions of interest have been received for the site at Sixmilebridge. In addition, the people of Killaloe will be served by a primary care centre currently in development at Ballina, Killaloe and Newport. I understand some of these projects have been delayed due to planning issues or other factors and that is undoubtedly frustrating for the local population and their elected representatives, but the Government’s commitment to the continued development of primary care services in Clare should be in no doubt. These facilities are an essential part of the investment in enhancing capacity in the primary and community sector to deliver high-quality integrated care to people in their own communities.

Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister. The previous Fine Gael-led Government laid the foundations for these primary health care centres in County Clare and I thank the Minister and the HSE for continuing that work. The Ennis site on Station Road is a really striking building and is a state-of-the-art facility. I have been in touch with the Minister, his officials and the HSE throughout its development. When is it expected that the doors will open in this facility? Will the Minister give some more detail on the Tulla Road site? I know the project is currently with An Bord Pleanála and that has been the position for quite a long number of months. Has the Minister any update on that?

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I do. Station Road in Ennis is under construction and planning permission has been sought to increase the floor area of the building to provide for additional services. A decision is awaited from An Bord Pleanála on this additional application. Subject to the decision, which we all hope will be in the affirmative while we obviously full respect the independence of the process, the timeframe for completion of the additional floor space can then be established. In other words, we will not know until we get a ruling from An Bord Pleanála.

It is anticipated that the primary care centre will be operational from mid-summer next year. The Tulla Road project in Ennis is delayed due to an ongoing planning matter. It is with An Bord Pleanála. The HSE continues to seek progress updates from the developer on this.

Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Sixmilebridge is a really important project. It has met with some hitches and has been re-advertised. Can the Minister give a detailed explanation of the next steps and when we can expect movement on that site? Will he give more detail on the sites that are planned for Ennistymon and Kilrush? Kilrush has experienced a number of glitches over the years. I would appreciate an explanation and a path forward.

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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With Ennistymon, a number of price proposals have been received and the HSE's estates division is engaging with the promoter of the top-ranked proposal. It is hoped that a firm proposal to meet HSE requirements can be agreed and progressed. On Kilrush, a review of the current facilities and the overall accommodation requirements for the area is due to be undertaken. We will seek a more detailed update as it comes in. In Sixmilebridge, an issue with the sale of the land at Ashview Drive halted the development. The HSE is currently reviewing expressions of interest from developers with a view to progressing the development as a matter of urgency.

Marc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party)
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A number of Deputies are not present. We will move to Deputy Carey.

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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I am stepping in for Deputy Haughey.

Marc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party)
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I had not been informed of that. With Deputy Carey's agreement we will move to Deputy Calleary.