Work on long-awaited Glanmire care centre due to resume in June

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has said that construction on the long-awaited Glanmire Primary Care Centre facility is expected to resume next month.

At the latest HSE South West Regional Health Forum, held last week at Cork County Hall, a spokesperson for the HSE’s South West branch confirmed that completion of the 3,300 sq m facility, which began construction in November but was later halted, is estimated for Q3 2027.

Upon completion, the development will provide a comprehensive range of primary care services aimed at addressing the health and wellbeing needs of the local community.

The facility will be located on the vacant site of the former John Barleycorn Hotel, which was damaged in a fire in 2006 and has remained unused since.

Responding to a motion put forward by Fianna Fáil councillor for the Cork city North East ward, Margaret McDonnell, the HSE spokesperson said while construction works on-site “are temporarily paused as the contractor is coordinating with Cork City Council in respect to the construction of the [Glanmire] Greenway”, it is anticipated that “a return to site” will commence in June.

Important project

Speaking to The Echo, Ms McDonnell said this is “a hugely important project for Glanmire and the wider Cork North East area”.

“It is so important because of the growing population in Glanmire,” said Ms McDonnell.

“There is huge demand for GPs and all medical services in the area.

"Residents have waited far too long for enhanced local healthcare services, and I will continue to keep pressure on all parties to ensure this facility is delivered as quickly as possible.”

Labour Party councillor for the Cork city North East ward, John Maher said the local community has been “waiting years for this”.

“In today’s world, why we can’t build a greenway and a primary care centre together, is mind boggling,” said Mr Maher. 

“However, fundamentally, the primary care centre is needed, and has been needed for more than 20 years, so the sooner we get it built, the better.”