Primary care centre ‘badly needed’
Fresh tenders for the proposed primary health care centre in Blarney are due to be evaluated soon, a recent health meeting on Leeside heard.
During the latest Regional Health Forum Meeting, Fianna Fáil Cllr John Sheehan asked for an update on the project which he said was “badly needed” for the Blarney area.
Tess O’Donovan, Chief Officer with Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, told Cllr Sheehan that the HSE was engaged with a developer for this proposed primary care centre and Cork County Council had granted planning permission for the proposed centre.
She, however, explained: “The planning decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanála, who upheld the planning decision. However, this decision was then appealed to the High Court. An Bord Pleanála decided not to issue a defence at the High Court with the result that the planning permission was void, which resulted in a significant setback for the proposed project and the requirement to re-tendered.”
She added: “I wish to confirm that these tenders have just been received back and are due to be evaluated shortly.”
Also at the same meeting, Ms O’Donovan gave an update on a primary care centre in Youghal following a request for information from Independent Cllr Mary Lenihan Foley. Cllr Lenihan Foley was told that the primary care centre in Youghal has been lodged for planning approval and is currently with the local authority planning department for consideration.
“Pending the outcome of the planning process, the appropriate next step will be enacted with respect to progressing same,” Ms O’Donovan said.
She said the new primary care centre is fundamental to the delivery of service reforms set out in Sláintecare.
“It will assist in the provision of safe and effective health and social care services in Youghal and will improve our health service and the health and wellbeing of the people living in Youghal,” she added.
The services provided by primary care include podiatry, vision testing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, public health nursing services, area medical officer and dental services and Ms O’Donovan said it is planned that Youghal Primary Care Centre will have all of these services.
“In addition to these services, Children Disability Network Team, home support outreach and mental health services will also be provided in the primary care centre,” she added.