Mike Kennelly (Fine Gael)
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I welcome the ambassador to the House. I hope he enjoys his stay.

I thank the Minister of State for taking this Commencement matter. I raise the proposed primary care centre for Cahersiveen in deep south Kerry and seek a clear and detailed update on its current status and the next steps. This project is of major strategic importance to the Iveragh Peninsula. The centre will bring a comprehensive range of services together under one roof, including GP care, public health nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, psychology, mental health supports, dental and disability services and a social inclusion and Tusla hub. In a rural region like south Kerry, this integrated model of care will significantly enhance access and reduce the need for long journeys to larger centres. The new primary care centre will also complement the local ambulance base for which funding has been secured. Together, these developments will strengthen the emergency response capacity and create a more co-ordinated, modern healthcare system for the area.

Progress has been made. The design phase has been completed. Planning permission has been granted. The project is clearly advancing through the required stages. What is now required is clarity about the remaining steps. Has the full feasibility assessment for the Cahersiveen primary care centre been completed? If so, will the Minister of State outline its key findings? If any elements of that assessment are outstanding, it would be helpful to know what they are and when they are expected to be finalised.

Will the Minister of State provide clarity on the funding position? Has capital funding been formally allocated for the construction phase within the current HSE capital plan or through another mechanism? If funding has not yet been set aside, I call on him to indicate when that decision will be made and whether the project will be prioritised in upcoming capital allocations.

The big question people have in the Iveragh and Cahersiveen area is when construction is expected to begin. The community, the local healthcare providers and all the stakeholders need certainty on the feasibility, funding and timelines so this important project can move forward without any hassle.

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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On behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, I thank the Senator for the opportunity to update the House on the HSE primary healthcare centre for Cahersiveen.

The programme for Government commits to opening more primary care centres. Providing a home first approach to healthcare will empower people to receive integrated healthcare in their communities in line with the Sláintecare objectives. The primary care centre programme consists of a network of circa 300 projects being delivered through the operational lease model 2 or traditional means of a HSE build. In addition, 14 programmes were completed through public-private partnership. Under the programme, 181 primary care centres are in operation, 51 of which have been open since 2020.The majority of primary care centres are delivered via the operational lease model. Over the period of the Department of Health’s sectoral plan from 2026 to 2030, primary care centres will continue to be delivered under the primary care centres programme by the HSE by traditional means through the operational lease model.

With specific regard to Cahersiveen, which is the area the Senator is raising today, HSE capital and estates has reviewed a number of potential sites in the environs of Cahersiveen and has shortlisted suitable options. Initial due diligence is nearing completion to assess the feasibility, constraints, suitability and deliverability of a primary care centre, as well as to identify the preferred location. As part of this assessment, the HSE is also considering a development-led proposal from a private entity that has been granted planning permission by Kerry County Council in Cahersiveen. This proposal forms part of the overall appraisal process, which is focused on determining the most suitable and sustainable option to meet the healthcare needs of the people of Cahersiveen and the wider surrounding area.

Health infrastructure investment policy aims to ensure that Sláintecare reforms are achieved and that they improve the delivery of capital healthcare projects and achieve value for money. The HSE capital approvals process provides a structured and objective basis for assessing health infrastructure proposals. It examines service need, projected demand, value for money and alignment with national and regional health service priorities.

The proposed Cahersiveen primary care centre is intended to support the delivery of integrated, community-based healthcare services, including GP services, primary care centres and other multidisciplinary supports locally. Subject to completion of the assessment and the receipt of the necessary approvals, a capital submission will be developed and progressed through the HSE approval process. This submission will outline the preferred location, proposed scope, next steps and indicative timelines for delivery of the primary care centre. A final decision will be made once all viable options are given full consideration.

Mike Kennelly (Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister of State for taking this Commencement matter on behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill. Indeed, I compliment the response. I look forward to the completion of this process. Obviously, the assessment is the outstanding aspect. I again ask the Minister of State to contact the Department and the Minister to double down on this and bring it to fruition. The next step for the people of Cahersiveen and the Iveragh Peninsula is to find out where this primary care centre will be located. If that assessment is completed sooner rather than later, we can move on with it.

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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From the many conversations the Senators has had with the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, on this, I know this is an issue about which he is very passionate in supporting on behalf of the people in his area. Of course, I will relay his views and comments to the Minister. She will engage with him further in that regard.