HSE accused of “dragging its feet” on Ballagh primary care centre project
The primary care centre project in Ballaghaderreen was first mooted in 2012. Pic: iStock
The HSE has been accused of “dragging its feet” on the long awaited primary care centre project for Ballaghaderreen.
Plans for the much delayed health facility suffered a massive blow in February of this year when the developer behind the project withdrew his involvement.
This meant that a whole new tendering process would have to be undertaken, including the acquisition of a new site.
Before that unexpected announcement, all of the HSE’s public statements up that point clearly indicated that the timelines for construction and delivery were on track.
In a short statement on the issue yesterday, the HSE said “it was aware of some sites in the locality and we will be advertising for expressions of interest in the coming weeks to comply with procurement protocol with the intention of purchasing a suitable site and developing a PCC funded through the capital plan.”
However, Cllr Sean Moylan, a member of the Regional Health Forum, is furious at what he claims is clear footdragging by the HSE.
“I’m very disappointed with the response. The HSE are definitely dragging their feet on this and there’s been nothing done to date on this. I have spoken to a local auctioneer and several local property owners and none of them have been approached by the HSE.
“There’s plenty of properties for sale in Ballaghaderreen and at a time when property prices are in flux and properties are scarce, the HSE need to get off their backsides and buy something.
“Considering the importance of this project and the speed with which they said they were going to approach this with, this is just not happening. They basically have nothing done and have no appetite to fulfil their promises,” said Cllr Moylan.
The Fianna Fáil councillor, who had sought an update on a possible site acquisition for the development, said he would be raising the matter at today's meeting of the Regional Health Forum.
The Ballaghaderreen Primary Care Centre project was first announced back in 2012 by the then Government.
