Work to begin on new Birr Primary Care Centre in March - Nolan

Independent TD for Laois Offaly Carol Nolan has welcomed confirmation from Joseph Ruane Head of Service Primary Care CHO8, that construction of the new Birr Primary Care Centre is set to commence in March.

Deputy Nolan was speaking after Mr Ruane confirmed to her that the construction duration of approximately 18 months will followed by commissioning and equipping. The Birr Primary Care Centre is expected to be operational from quarter one of 2026.

The Primary Care Centre is earmarked for a site at the rear of the Outdoor Education Centre on the Roscrea Road.

The three-storey development spanning 4,060 square metres, makes provision for 807 square metres of GP surgery space, a pharmacy spanning 138 square metres and two consulting rooms totalling 34 square metres.

A two-storey ambulance base with single storey garage will also form part of the new development.

“This is excellent news, and I am delighted that at long last we have a start date for the construction of this badly needed service for Birr and the surrounding areas,” said Deputy Nolan.

“I am still engaging with the Chief Officer of the Midlands Louth Meath Community Health Organisation, and the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, to ensure that staffing positions for the new Primary Care Centre (PCC) in Birr are filled prior to its anticipated opening in quarter one of 2026.”

“We are all aware of the recruitment and retention crisis within the HSE and that is why I remain concerned because the Birr Primary Care Centre is also expected to cater for speech and language therapy in addition to public health, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dental and mental health services.”

“I have been working continuously on this issue since 2021 to ensure that Birr and the surrounding communities get the Primary Care Centre they deserve,” Deputy Nolan concluded.