Day centre plan for Cork town awaiting capital funding, says HSE

Plans for a day centre for older people at Macroom Hospital will not advance until capital funding is allocated, according to the HSE.

The facility, which will serve elderly members of the community across Macroom and its surrounds, will be part of a revamped health centre building at Macroom Community Hospital, which began planning in 2022.

Senator Eileen Lynch raised the matter in the Seanad last week, calling on the HSE to provide an update on the timeline for delivery of the initiative.

The minister of State at the Department of Health, Kieran O’Donnell, said the project is awaiting the allocation of capital funding, and once allocated, the HSE will “progress the planning for this project to the tender phase”.

“On completion of the tender process, the HSE will be able to provide estimated timelines for the completion of this day centre for Macroom,” said Mr O’Donnell.

“I expect the new day centre to be a very welcome addition in the area and I look forward to its completion.”

Ms Lynch said that she is “disappointed” as plans for the facility have been in the works for four years, with no guarantee of allocated funding.

“We need this service,” said Ms Lynch.

“While there are fantastic wraparound services [in Macroom] — we need to expedite this.

“I do not know if the minister of State can offer any guarantee on capital funding.

“Community healthcare has to be a priority [and] I know it is, but we need to push it further.”

Mr O’Donnell said day centres, like the proposed one in Macroom, are a “crucial part of social provision in our communities”.