Laois TD urges HSE to 'step up a gear' and deliver primary care centres

Following the announcement that five Laois towns will be receiving new primary care centres, Local Independent Republican TD Brian Stanley has called on the HSE to speed up these deliveries.

The HSE have confirmed that Rathdowney, Mountrath, Graiguecullen, Ballylinan and Clonaslee and have been approved for new primary care centres.

Borris-in-Ossory and Durrow were also put forward for these developments, with approval denied or in need of new sites to be identified. 

Pictured: existing health centres across Laois

“While I welcome the limited progress on Laois health centres, the HSE and Government now need to step up a gear on progressing these," Deputy Stanley said.

"The long awaited new Primary Care Centre for Portlaoise must also be advanced.

“I have been consistently raising the need for new and improved health facilities in these Laois towns with both government and HSE management. Progress on them is moving at too slow a pace," Deputy Stanley argued.

Read more: Laois towns to receive new primary care centres but others excluded

"HSE management have been aware since 2023 that the site at Portlaoise Road Mountrath, which they planned to build on, was at risk of flooding.

"I discussed this with them many times and a much more suitable site was identified in the town. HSE management should move immediately to give final approval to purchase it. A final decision on the selection of the tender to construct the new centre in Rathdowney should also be expedited without delay," he said.

Pictured: Deputy Brian Stanley (right) with Deputy Sean Fleming (middle) during November's election.

The former Sinn Féin TD has hailed the 'minor upgrade works' to the Graiguecullen centre as good news, yet has said that it must be extended at Oakley Estate, or relocated to 'a more suitable site.'

"Confirmation that the Clonaslee Centre is now in HSE ownership should now clear the way for a badly needed upgrade of the facility," Deputy Stanley said.

"The lack of progress of both Durrow and Borris in Ossory is disappointing. I am urging HSE management to engage with Laois County Council to have Borris in Ossory Centre moved to a better and safer location," he said.

"The pressure for a primary care centre in Portlaoise continues to grow. With a population of almost 30,000, its one of the few towns of this size without one.

"It’s well accepted that more health care has to be delivered in the community as opposed to overcrowded hospitals.

"For this to happen Government must now accept that the pace of getting proper health centres in Laois towns has to be stepped up a gear," Deputy Stanley finished.