Construction cleared to begin on Cork town's primary care centre

Construction is to start on the long-awaited multimillion-euro primary health care centre in Midleton this summer, according to the HSE’s regional interim head of primary care services.

Senior HSE official Mari O’Donovan said the centre, which is likely to take two years to complete, is fundamental to the delivery of service reforms set out in Sláintecare, and the developer has confirmed the timelines.

Her confirmation came following a Dáil question tabled by Midleton-based Social Democrats councillor Liam Quaide, who said the development of the project represents a major investment in community health infrastructure for Midleton and the wider East Cork area.

The project at Market Green secured conditional planning permission from the county council last July following an application from Kendrick Properties Limited.

Under the plan, the approximately 5,250sq m, four-storey building will provide a range of facilities such as consulting rooms, treatment areas, and meeting rooms.

The plan also includes a parking and active travel layout with 123 car parking spaces. It also includes standard bays, disabled spaces, parent-and-child spaces, and electric vehicle charging bays, along with four motorcycle bays and 60 bicycle parking spaces.

Mr Quaide welcomed the proposed timelines for the project, drawing on his professional experience as a clinical psychologist in the Mallow Primary Healthcare Centre.

“This Midleton Primary Care Centre will be transformative for the town and surrounding areas, as will the planned primary care centre for Youghal,” he said.

Mr Quaide said that, while the confirmation of timelines for Midleton is encouraging, sustained follow-through will now be essential.

“This facility will expand general practitioner and allied health services locally, and deliver real improvements in access, particularly for older people, families and those with chronic health needs. I will continue to hold the Government and the HSE to account to ensure this centre is delivered on time and to the high standards that our community deserves,” he said.