Uncertainty over Kells Care Centre

Uncertainty surrounds the future of the Kells Primary Care Centre, following a statement in the Seanad last week that the preferred provider has not been able to deliver the project. The Kells Primary Care Centre was one of the list of 35 centres approved by the government in its economic stimulus programme. Senator Thomas Byrne expressed concern at the continuing uncertainty surrounding the provision of the centre in Kells. "Minister Reilly, Deputies Hannigan and McEntee promised a primary health care centre to the people of Kells only his summer. However, when I raised the matter in a special Seanad debate recently, the position appears far less clear-cut," Senator Byrne said. He is urging the Health Minister and the HSE to examine other funding options in light of the ongoing difficulty in progressing the centre under their preferred model. "The minister confirmed to me in the Seanad that the preferred provider has not been able to deliver the new primary care accommodation, due mainly to funding difficulties". Junior Minister Shane McEntee said negotiations were ongoing and added that there were people looking at rejuvenating the whole idea with a view to building the centre. Deputy Dominic Hannigan said he would be redoubling his efforts to ensure the project goes ahead. "I will work to overcome any problems. Kells is an area that deserves a primary health centre," he said.