Clondalkin primary care centre issues not addressed

THE lack of urgency in developing a primary care centre in Dublin Mid-West, is shortsighted and contrary to the government’s own commitment to the service, according to Fianna Fáil TD, John Curran.

Deputy Curran says information he acquired through a Parliamentary Question this week, shows a radical decline in the rate of new centres being established since 2012.

“In 2012, 18 PCCs were opened, nine in 2013, seven in 2014, five in 2015 and three to date in 2016,” said Deputy Curran.

“Last month Fianna Fáil learned that just one of the 36 primary care centres, which were promised by the last government some four years ago to improve community health services has effectively been opened.

“There are currently no primary care services in my own constituency, which has a population of over 100,00 people. The only facility that was promised in Dublin Mid-West remains at a stage that is nowhere near operational.

“The facility in North Clondalkin which was previously guaranteed to be open by 2016 has now been stalled while the HSE awaits planning permission.

“This is unacceptable and I intend on further raising the development of the North Clondalkin facility with the Minister as a matter of real urgency.

“This distinct lack of progress is an indictment of the Government’s failure to follow through on its promise to develop of sufficient primary care services.”