Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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22. To ask the Minister for Health for a timeline for the delivery of primary care centres in Blarney, Mayfield and Glanmire. [2025/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to thank Deputy for raising the issue of Primary Care Centre developments across Cork.

Regarding Blarney Primary Care Centre, the HSE advised that it had been engaging with a developer for this proposed PCC and that Cork County Council had granted planning permission for same. However, that planning decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanála, who upheld the planning decision. This decision was then appealed to the High Court. An Bord Pleanála has decided not to issue a defence at the High Court with the result that the planning permission will be void.

At present, the HSE is conducting a review of the options available for this proposed PCC. On completion of this review, the HSE will issue further communication to the proposed PCC developer regarding the advancement of this development.

In relation to, Cork City Primary Care Centre, covering the Mayfield, Montenotte and Dillon’s Cross areas, a preferred bidder was selected, and the property transaction was approved at the September 2023 meeting of the HSE Board. A Letter of Intent issued in late 2023 and discussions regarding the Agreement for Lease are now progressing.

Similarly, a preferred bidder was selected for Glanmire Primary Care Centre and the property transaction was approved at the March 2023 meeting of the HSE Board. The Letter of Intent has been issued, with discussions regarding layouts and the Agreement for Lease now progressing.

There are now 21 Primary Care Centres operational throughout Cork. In fact, just this week the Tánaiste visited Ballincollig PCC to officially open that centre. I’m sure the Deputy will agree that it is welcome news that further progress is being made on the developments of additional Primary Care Centres across Cork.

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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23. To ask the Minister for Health when construction will recommence on Ballyhaunis Primary Care Centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2013/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to thank the Deputy for allowing me to update the house on this matter, as I know that the Deputy has raised this matter a number of times with my Department in the past.

Ballyhaunis Primary Care Centre (PCC) is to be developed through the Operational Lease mechanism, whereby the HSE enters into agreement with a developer to build a PCC and the HSE then leases the building for a fixed period.

Unfortunately, in the case of the PCC development in Ballyhaunis, the project has been impacted by delays due to several factors. The developer has confirmed to the HSE that the original rates in the lease agreement are now not economically viable due to increased construction costs from materials and trades. The HSE has assured the Department that there has been regular contact with the developer to understand all of the issues surrounding the paused construction and to request updates on programme for recommencement and completion dates.

The HSE has advised the Department that this issue is being assessed on a national basis and all options are being explored including rate uplifts, withdrawing the current agreement, and re-advertising of the development. Re-advertising may permit the developer to resubmit a tender at higher rates. Once that assessment is concluded and agreed, it is hoped that a programme for recommencement to completion will be confirmed.

I recognise that construction has been stalled for a considerable amount of time, and the frustration that this has caused the people of Ballyhaunis. However, I wish to reiterate that both my Department and the HSE remain committed to the completion of Ballyhaunis PCC. The Department will continue to engage with the HSE and support the efforts being made to bring this Primary Care Centre to completion.