‘Huge blow’ to plans in Galway town for long-awaited Primary Care Centre

It's a local saga that's emerging as a major election issue in the town, with one politician at least – Galway County Councillor Louis O'Hara (Sinn Féin) – expressing serious concern at the Government's ability to deliver on critical healthcare services.

Cllr O'Hara, who is also the Sinn Féin general election candidate for Galway East, explained to the Irish Independent that the Primary Care Centre in Portumna was initially approved in 2018 with €200,000 allocated in the 2021 Capital Programme.

The project has faced setbacks and delays, and it is not known when it will be completed as Cllr O'Hara recently received written confirmation from the HSE that they are terminating the agreement with the developer, Sharpdale Ltd.

The project will now be retendered, the HSE confirmed.

"It has been promised for years and that was initially approved in 2018, money has been allocated towards it by the HSE, but we've received written confirmation from them that they are terminating the agreement with the developer of the project.

"Despite the assurance that was given to the community by government representatives, the project has been stalled and the developer will not be completing construction of it. It's a huge blow to the community, they were promised that it would be completed by June 2024."

"This is extremely disappointing and we need urgent action and accountability from the authorities responsible for overseeing the project."

The HSE will now have to find a new developer: "The problem is, how much longer are people going to be left waiting for this development, which has been long promised?"

He also expressed concern at the current Government's ability to deliver on critical healthcare services.

Cllr O'Hara said: "I think the community wellbeing needs to be the top priority, and the government and the HSE need to do a much better job and have projects like this completed efficiently and on time.

"There are concerns about the government's ability to deliver on healthcare projects on time and efficiently. We've already seen examples across the country, the national children hospital is of course a prime example.

"I think the government are taking a very hands-off approach, not just in this instance but in a lot of difference instances."

The Irish Independent has contacted the HSE for a comment on the Primary Care Centre in Portumna.