Long-awaited progress on Birr Primary Care centre welcomed

Two Offaly TDs are welcoming HSE approval to move forward with the development of Birr Primary Care centre.

Independent Deputy Carol Nolan and Fianna Fáil's Barry Cowen have both hailed the long awaited move as great news for community of Birr and surrounding areas.

The site, announced by the HSE back in March, will be located on a greenfield site on the eastern side of Birr Outdoor Education Centre, which is located on the Roscrea Road.

Deputy Nolan said the HSE have confirmed to her that the next step will involve the issuing of a letter of intent to the developer.

“I am delighted for the community of Birr and indeed for all of the surrounding communities who so badly needed this project to be signed off by the HSE Board,” she commented.

Meanwhile, Deputy Barry Cowen stressed the importance of the project now moving quickly to the next stage.

“After three years, the HSE has today given the go ahead for the construction of a much-needed primary care centre in the area.

“It is now important that this project moves swiftly to the next stage, with a letter of intent issued to the successful tender and then on to the planning permission stage," he remarked on Monday.

The Offaly TD continued: “I would like to praise Cllr Peter Ormond, who has been outstanding in pursuing and continually engaging with the necessary authorities to help progress this project. Cllr Ormond has worked hard and I know that he is delighted with today’s approval”.

Carol Nolan said she is looking forward to the centre bringing together primary care facilities, public health, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, dental, mental health services, all of which are “urgently required” in the local area.