Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I am pleased to be able to inform the Deputy that the development of the  primary care centres in Arklow, Baltinglass and Rathdrum is being progressed.   

Construction has commenced on the Baltinglass site, with the opening of the centre scheduled for 2020.  Construction of Rathdrum Primary Care Centre is planned to commence shortly and is also expected to become operational  in 2020.  The proposed Primary Care Centre in Arklow has received planning permission and initial design is commencing, although it is not possible at this stage to provide an estimated operational date. 

The investment in these three centres  is representative of this Government's support for the development of the primary care sector.  There are now 127 primary care centres in operation across the country, 18 of which became operational  in 2018.  A further 11 centres are expected to open in 2019. 

These modern, well-equipped and accessible premises are key to the development of primary care services in line with the vision of Sláintecare to deliver care in the local community at the lowest level of complexity.