Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Minister, I thank Senator Byrne for raising this issue. I acknowledge his commitment. He has been working on this project for quite some time. I commend his involvement in the development of the primary care centre and his continued advocacy on behalf of the people of Gorey.

As I stated in my opening remarks, the HSE has confirmed to the Minister that the Gorey primary care centre will be readvertised in quarter 4 of 2024. It is intended that the publication of the new advertisement will reinvigorate this development and ensure that progress is made in delivering a new primary care centre for the people of Gorey.

The Minister wishes to acknowledge the frustration of both Senator Byrne and the people of Gorey at the delays in the progression of this primary care centre. The Minister is aware that there can in some cases be delays with the development of primary care centres due to a variety of circumstances. However, the Minister wishes to assure the Senator that he and the officials in the Department are actively engaging with the HSE to progress the completion of the new primary care centre, as well as the further development of centres throughout the country.

I am very much aware of the difficulties in the HSE. In my area, a developer got planning for a primary care centre and someone objected. The case went to An Bord Pleanála, which granted planning, and then the objector took the matter to the High Court. At that stage, the developer walked away. Those complications arise as well. In my constituency, for instance, we are targeting the building of three new primary care centres. One very good one has opened in the past 12 months in Ballincollig, which is a really comprehensive service. We have three GP practices in there. We have moved three consultants from the HSE from Cork University Hospital who are providing eye care. A huge level of service is now provided. I understand the importance of this for Gorey.