Appeal or new site considered for primary care in Birr

Stakeholders involved in the proposal to bring a primary care centre to Birr are "weighing up all options" including moving its location to a new site.

Following the defeat of an application for a material contravention to Birr Town Plan which would have made way for the construction of new GP surgeries, a pharmacy and 94 car parking spaces and other services at the Birr Rugby Club-owned site at Scurragh, a move to a new site, or an appeal are the options being considered.

That's according to Cllr John Clendennen who said the material contravention, which was voted down by majority of councillors by a margin of 12 votes to six, was a "certainly a setback", but stakeholders are looking at placing all options on the table in order to achieve a dedicated healthcare facility for Birr.

"I've had numerous meetings with the stakeholders over the last two weeks and we are working hard to establish the various options open to us in achieving a primary care centre for Birr," Cllr John Clendennen stated this week.

"We are looking at everything from an appeal to a new site for the establishment of a primary care centre for the town.

"There's no doubt that there's a shortage of GPs in Birr. We have a commitment from the HSE that they will fill the posts, but the development of a new primary care centre would have made these positions more attractive. 

"I do have a strong commitment that a primary care centre will be delivered in the town and the relevant stakeholders are weighing up all the options in relation to this."