Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I do have a question for him. First, I want to bring this matter to the attention of colleagues. Second, I ask the Leader to ask the Minister for Health if he is aware that the land that was identified is still available, at no cost to the taxpayer, the Exchequer or the people of Balbriggan. It is on a county development plan and two local area plans. Extensive discussions have taken place between the local authority and the HSE over many years. They go all the way back to 1970 with the publication of the County Dublin Areas of Need, CODAN, report, in which areas such as Tallaght, Ballymun, Blanchardstown, Clondalkin and Balbriggan were included. Balbriggan was the only town in north County Dublin that was identified then. Why is the State entering into a lease on the Dublin Street site when there is a free site still available at Castlelands, Balbriggan? The Minister did not explain why he did not proceed with a centre that location.

This is important. I restate that Balbriggan needs a primary care centre. I know that because I live there. I am concerned that no one can see the wood for the trees with regard to why the site was selected. I ask the Minister to stop using the people of Balbriggan as an excuse and as a shield. They are insulted. Last night, when I was in Balbriggan, I heard its inhabitants' concerns that they will not get the primary care centre they deserve because of the way he has dealt with this matter. I ask the Leader to ask the Minister whether he is aware that the site identified by the HSE and Fingal County Council, which is in the development plan and has been in two local area plans since 2002, is available at no cost. It was selected for the specific purpose of developing a primary care centre in Balbriggan, which is badly needed.