84. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Health for an update on the proposed new primary care centre for Graiguenamanagh; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52193/25]

Sentiment score: 0.17

Primary care centres add huge value to communities across the country, including my own in Carlow-Kilkenny. There is a lot of excitement in my home town of Graiguenamanagh about our new proposed primary care centre. I would like an update on how that is progressing.

Sentiment score: 0.63

That is most welcome news. I understand the new centre is planned to be a two-storey facility of approximately 20,000 sq. m, with accommodation for GP practices and community nursing, as well as dental services and therapies. However, the key thing about this primary care centre is its rural location, and the accessibility challenges a lot of people where I am from have in getting access to top-class care. Towns and villages like Skeaghvasteen, The Rower, St. Mullins and Borris will be able to feed into this brand-new primary care centre in Graiguenamanagh. It will be a game changer for the region. It is certainly a game changer for my town. While I know it is in its infancy, I have a concern about when the primary care centre is complete, in terms of getting bodies and roles to work in that centre. There is a challenge in the HSE. I know the funding is there, but getting people to fill a lot of these roles can be a challenge. I want to get the Minister's assurance that she will do everything she can for Graiguenamanagh to ensure that once this facility is complete, those roles will be filled.

Sentiment score: 0.36

I thank the Minister. I know from my experience of dealing with other primary care centres around the constituency that there is a really strong, enhanced community and patient experience at such centres. Patients can build long-term relationships with their providers, which can lead to better communication and more personalised care, which is really promising. I am really excited about the various strands of care that are going to be available in my home town. It is absolutely a game-changer and something that is long overdue, and it is going to be a fantastic asset to the town. I seek assurances from the Minister that she will look favourably on two other health centres, in Freshford and Ballyhale, which are in the capital plan and are in the process of being upgraded. While the Graiguenamanagh centre will serve one part of the constituency, facilities in the likes of Ballyhale and Freshford also serve huge pockets of the constituency. I seek assurances from the Minister that they will be dealt with favourably.

Sentiment score: 0.59