PRIMARY CARE CENTRE FOR LISMORE

A new Primary Care Centre has been announced for Lismore, with planning expected to be submitted this year, reports Katie Glavin.

Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler TD, recently broke the news, stating that it represented a ‘significant investment’ in community healthcare services locally, with the announcement being well received.

“This is a project which I have been working on for some time and I am delighted to announce that a new Primary Care Centre will now be delivered for Lismore. The project will be developer led. Engagement has been ongoing between the HSE and the developer but, I am advised that HSE solicitors are now in the process of issuing an official letter of intent to the developer," Minister Butler said.

“I also understand that planning is expected to be submitted this year, with construction due to commence in 2024”.

‘GOOD NEWS STORY’

Lismore Town Association welcomed the news this week for the town, stating that it will be a ‘fantastic resource’.

“The Lismore Town Association warmly welcomes Minister Butler’s recent announcement on the provision of a Primary Care centre for the town of Lismore.

“It represents a significant investment into the community of Lismore and we hope it will be a fantastic resource for the town and local areas.

We look forward to receiving further details from Minister Butler when they are to hand,” a spokesperson for the group said.

Local councillor Mairead Tobin also welcomed the news, stating that it is a ‘good news story’ for the town.

“This is a good news story for Lismore and I hope that people will see it as a positive as it will help. It’s all about improving the facilities and services for Lismore and the surrounding areas,” Cllr Tobin said.

CARE CLOSER TO HOME The Avondhu

It was confirmed to that a site has been identified for the project, however the information is commercially sensitive.

According to the Minister, once up and running, the centre will offer a full range of multi-disciplinary primary care and community-based services to the residents of the town and surrounding areas.

“Primary Care Centres provide more services closer to people’s homes, and provide extra services for older people, or people who live with long-term health conditions. A key aim of the Sláintecare programme is the delivery of more care in or near peoples’ communities.

“This facility, allied with other investments made as part of Sláintecare and the Enhanced Community Care Programme, will help to keep the people of Lismore and the surrounding areas safe, well and healthy at home for as long as possible,” Minister Butler said.

As with other Primary Care Centres, such as that which recently opened in Fermoy, it is understood that the centre will be developed privately to be leased or sold to the HSE once complete.

In addition to annual funding of €195 million allocated in Budget 2022 for the recruitment of staff to the Enhanced Community Care (ECC) Programme, a further €13.8 million was allocated in Budget 2023 to Primary Care for new developments, including for the continued roll out of the programme.

“I have no doubt that it will play a key role in the delivery of high-quality healthcare in West Waterford for generations to come,” Minister Butler concluded.