HSE-owned land in Ratoath lying idle for 25 years despite urgent need for medical and community facilities

The HSE has been urged to provide health care facilities on lands it purchased at Jamestown, Ratoath in 2001 or else allow the land to be used for community amenities.

A quarter of a century after the purchase of approximately two acres of land, which is located at the Ashbourne entrance to Ratoath, it is still lying idle, despite a critical shortage of health and community facilities in the area.

Cllr Nick Killian who has raised the issue with the HSE on numerous occasions said it is unbelievable that such valuable land is allowed lie idle for 25 years.

"When the land was first purchased by the Health Board it was for the construction of a paediatric unit and then we were told it would be a primary care centre, but nothing has been done there for a quarter of a century.

"I am extremely angry that the HSE still has no plans for this land. The people of Ratoath need a health centre, they need community facilities, a family park, social housing, age friendly housing. It is a shame to see it lying idle.

"Meath County Council tried to purchase the land several years back but the HSE wouldn't engage with them."

Clr Killian has written to the HSE asking for information on the current status of this site, and enquiring when the HSE will use this site and what plans have they for its use. He also asked if there are plans in the current capital programme to pursue the development of this site.

Cllr Killian, who is a member of the Regional Health Forum said he will not let the issue rest. "I will plague them until something is done with that site. Ratoath is a growing area. It needs a primary care centre and many other facilities. More houses are being built and we don't have adequate medical facilities in the village. It is a case of lose it or use it," he said.

Four years ago, over 500 local families from Ratoath signed a petition calling on the HSE, Minister for Health, Minister for Children and Meath County Council to work together to turn the HSE land, into a much needed play space for the local community.

Ratoath resident, Laura Murphy said; "It is such a waste to see this land remain idle, the HSE bought this over 25 years ago to develop a primary care centre and it has remained untouched. Ratoath population has grown today to nearly 12,000 residents and we need these types of essential services sooner rather than later."

Local resident, Sivakumar Murugadoss says there is a major shortage of health facilities in Ratoath.

"I've lived in Ratoath since 2008 and that land has been idle all that time. There is so much it could be used for.

"It could be used as a primary care centre, which could provide a lot of different health facilities."

Sivakumar is a physiotherapist who sees first hand the drastic shortage of health care facilities in Ratoath.

"We don't have enough GPs in the village. Many residents have to go to Ashbourne or Dunboyne to see a doctor. A primary care centre could provide accommodation for a new GP practice.

"I see a lot of children with disabilities in my clinic who are on waiting lists for care that could be provided in a primary care centre. There are huge waiting lists for all sorts of healthcare that could be catered for in a new facility there.

"A primary care centre could provide mental health facilities, services for children with disabilities, GPs and many other services. It is a shame to see that and lying idle for so long," he said.

The HSE has been approached for comment.