Progress welcomed on two HSE projects in Youghal

PLANNING permission for a new 60-bed community nursing unit at St Raphael’s in Youghal has been submitted by the HSE to Cork County Council.

The news comes as the HSE selected the Axis Group to develop a new primary care centre for Youghal, via a developer-led model.

Fianna Fáil TD for Cork East James O’Connor has welcomed the progression of the two new healthcare facilities.

Mr O’Connor said he has been advocating for the St Raphael’s project over the past four years, raising the issue in meetings of the Dáil’s Public Accounts Committee with HSE senior management and separately with the Tánaiste and minister for health.

“The HSE capital development at St Raphael’s will provide a major update to ageing HSE facilities in Youghal,” he said.

“St Raphael’s, for generations, has been a major centre of care for persons with significant intellectual disabilities, and this investment will broaden it into a wider community healthcare complex.

“The development also includes a masterplan for the site where a new ambulance base is being considered, and a daycare service for the elderly.”

The site will have a new 60-bed residential care centre, comprising of a one-storey courtyard building with two 25 ensuite bedroom residential households, and a dementia unit with 10 ensuite bedrooms. A reception area, activity rooms, dining areas, offices and administration areas, a production kitchen, and plant areas are also included in the plan.

Mr O’Connor said the primary care centre for Youghal is to be located on top of Cork Hill adjacent to Youghal Business Park and include a GP surgery and essential HSE facilities.

Planning permission submitted by John Boland Developers describes the site as “a three-storey primary care centre including a general practitioners surgery and HSE facilities comprising of waiting areas, consulting, and meeting rooms, offices, and ancillary accommodation on an existing greenfield site.” The proposed development will also consist of a single-storey ancillary store building, and site development works including new pedestrian entrances off Chickley’s and Springfield Road, a new vehicle site entrance within Youghal Business Park, car parking, and a bicycle shelter.

A decision expected from county planners by April 22.

Mr O’Connor said that the HSE intends to break ground on both the primary care centre and the community nursing unit at St Raphael’s in late 2024, with both projects to move immediately to construction after the planning permission is granted.

“The projects mark a turning point for Youghal after a very challenging time for the town,” he said.