Significant setback for the Blarney Primary Care Centre

CORK Kerry Community Healthcare (CKCH) has confirmed a “significant setback” for the proposed Primary Care Centre in Blarney.

A spokesperson for CKCH told The Echo that after a lengthy appeals process which was part of the statutory planning permission process for the proposed Primary Care Centre in Blarney, the planning application made by the developer will not be granted.

“We have been engaging with a developer for a proposed Primary Care Centre in Blarney, following the normal procurement competition for such developments,” the spokesperson said.

“After a lengthy appeals process which was part of the statutory planning permission process, it now appears that the planning application made by the developer will not be granted.

“This will unfortunately cause a significant setback for this proposed project, which is a very important development for Blarney and the surrounding area.

“We are now conducting a review of the available options for the proposed Blarney Primary Care Centre. Once this review is completed, we will be in contact with the developer proposing to develop the building to outline the HSE position on advancing the development.” Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central Thomas Gould said the people of Blarney “desperately need a Primary Care Centre”.

“They are currently forced to travel to Ballincollig with no direct bus route. The HSE have known for months that this option wasn’t going ahead but they are still only considering their options,” he said.

“The delays in Primary Care Centres in Blarney, Mayfield and Glanmire are not good enough. Sláintecare represents a dynamic shift to community-based localised care but the reality is that the government and the HSE are doing little to implement the plan.” 

Deputy Gould called for “a progressive plan” for a Primary Care Centre in Blarney that will be delivered quickly.

Local councillor Ken O’Flynn said he was “deeply disappointed” to learn that the initial plan for Blarney’s Primary Care Centre had fallen through.

“This comes as the latest blow to the already neglected healthcare services on the north side of the city,” he said. “With the absence of a primary health care unit in Mayfield or Glanmire, it is clear that the HSE is once again neglecting the needs of the north side of the city. This is particularly concerning following the recent closure of Dr Una O’Halloran’s medical practice in Blarney.”