HSE and Government ‘need to step up a gear’ for Primary Health Centres across Laois

The HSE and Government “need to step up a gear” with regard to progressing Primary Health Centres across County Laois.

That is according to local Independent Republican TD Brian Stanley, who was speaking in the wake of the HSE’s latest updates for Laois.

The Executive last week outlined it’s plans for Primary Health Centres in the Borris-in-Ossory-Mountmellick Municipal District, which was met with a mixed response from County Councillors.

There was positive news for Rathdowney as well as some progress for Clonaslee and Mountrath, but Borris-in-Ossory and Durrow were left disappointed.

Deputy Stanley this week took up the baton for the entire county, saying has been “consistently raising the need for new and improved health facilities” in the county with both the Government and HSE management.

“A final decision on the selection of the tender to construct the new centre in Rathdowney should also be expedited without delay,” he said.

“Confirmation that the Clonaslee Centre is now in HSE ownership should now clear the way for a badly needed upgrade of the facility.

“The lack of progress of both Durrow and Borris-in-Ossory is disappointing.

“I am urging HSE management to engage with Laois County Council to have Borris-in-Ossory Centre moved to a better and safer location.”

Deputy Stanley also referenced the primary health centres in Graiguecullen and Portlaoise:

“While the minor upgrade works to the Graiguecullen Centre is good news, it really needs to be extended at Oakley Estate or relocated to a more suitable site,” the Laois TD said.

“The long awaited new Primary Care Centre for Portlaoise must also be advanced.

“HSE management have been aware since 2023 that the site at Portlaoise Road Mountrath, which they planned to build on, was at risk of flooding.

“I discussed this with them many times and a much more suitable site was identified in the town. HSE management should move immediately to give final approval to purchase it.

“The pressure for a primary care centre in Portlaoise continues to grow. With a population of almost 30,000, its one of the few towns of this size without one.

“It’s well accepted that more health care has to be delivered in the community as opposed to overcrowded hospitals.

“For this to happen Government must now accept that the pace of getting proper health centres in Laois towns has to be stepped up a gear.”

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