Albert Dolan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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131. To ask the Minister for Health for an update on the planned primary care centre for Portumna; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23779/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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I wish to thank the Deputy for allowing me to update the house on this matter.

Portumna Primary Care Centre (PCC) is to be delivered through the Operational Lease model whereby the HSE advertises for a Primary Care Centre in a selected location and enters into agreement with a developer to build the centre and to lease the building for a fixed period.

As the Deputy is aware, the HSE had previously advertised and identified a preferred developer and construction had commenced. However, the preferred developer was unable to proceed based on the original terms. Following significant engagement, the HSE decided to exercise its right to terminate the Agreement for Lease. The termination letter issued to the developer and was acknowledged in December 2024.

The project was recommenced in Q1 2025 and the HSE will need to re-advertise for new proposals to develop Portumna PCC. HSE Primary Care Services are currently compiling a revised schedule of accommodation and business case, to include the accommodation needs of the Enhanced Community Care Programme. The HSE has advised that this will be ready for submission to HSE Estates in Q3, 2025.

I fully recognise that the delay in the delivery of Portumna PCC is both disappointing and frustrating for the people in the Portumna area who have been waiting on the completion of this centre for some time. However, it is welcome news that the HSE is moving forward with plans to re-advertise Portumna PCC.

I assure the Deputy that my Department is actively engaging with the HSE to progress the further development of PCCs throughout the country including Portumna PCC.