Appeal lodged after primary care centre refused planning in Cork town

An appeal has been lodged with An Bórd Pleanála following the rejection of planning permission by Cork County Council for a primary care centre in Glanmire earlier this year.

This is according to an update provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to local authority members of the Regional Heath Forum.

A HSE representative confirmed that the developers behind the project, Infrastructure Investment Fund ICAV Valley Healthcare Fund, have lodged an appeal against the council’s decision.

Fianna Fáil Cork North Central TD, Pádraig O’Sullivan, said that the centre is “urgently” needed in Glanmire due to an increasing population and demand on existing healthcare services.

“I would hope that An Bórd Pleanála will be able to expedite a decision on this [appeal] so that we are not waiting indefinitely for a decision,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

“For better or worse, a quicker decision will allow the HSE, the developer, and the landowner to explore alternatives. The [refusal] was very disappointing, because Glanmire urgently needs a primary care centre.

“We have at least three if not four GP surgeries individually in Glanmire, so what this would enable us to do is to co-locate those together, leading to enhanced care and services.

“For an area the size of Glanmire, which is rapidly increasing in population, you definitely need a one-stop-shop location like this which can cater to residents. Given the urgent need for this, I would hope that a decision can be made expeditiously.”

A spokesperson for HSE South West said the aim of developing primary care centres such as the proposed facility in Glanmire, is to “alleviate the burden” on healthcare providers in localised areas.

“These centres serve as the cornerstone of the healthcare system, facilitating seamless co-ordination among various healthcare services. By situating primary care centres within the communities they serve, we can ensure that patients have convenient access to comprehensive care, encompassing preventive, curative, and rehabilitative services,” said the spokesperson.

“This localised approach not only enhances patient outcomes, as directed in Sláintecare, through timely and effective interventions; but also fosters strong patient-provider relationships, promoting continuity of care.

“Moreover, well-equipped primary care centres can alleviate the burden on tertiary healthcare facilities by addressing health issues at an early stage, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and sustainable healthcare system.”