Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim mo buíochas leis an Aire Stáit as teacht isteach chun an t-ábhar tábhachtach seo a phlé.

It is good news that construction of Kells Primary Health Care Centre is now complete. It was the subject of a lengthy battle for the people of the area. When the former Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly, published his infamous list of primary health care centre projects, the centre in Kells was not on it. As Members will recall, the centres in Balbriggan and Swords in the former Minister's constituency were included.

What I am seeking from the Minister of State, Deputy Kevin Humphreys, who is taking this matter on behalf of the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, whom I understand cannot be present, is an outline of the range of services that will be provided, an indication as to when the centre will be opened and, most importantly, whether, as omitted in the planning process, a safe bus stop will be provided to enable those using public transport to access the centre which is located on a busy bus route outside the town of Kells. It is important to ensure older people will be able to access the centre using public transport.

I have corresponded on the matter with the National Transport Authority which has informed me that it has corresponded on it with the HSE but that it has not yet received a formal reply. There is a need for joined-up thinking on the part of the agencies involved to ensure a bus stop will be provided to benefit a number of those likely to use the centre. Many people living in the area have signed a petition seeking installation of this facility and I am calling on the agencies involved to deliver it. I would welcome an update from the Minister of State.