'Growing frustration' over lack of timeframe on east Mayo development

A Ballyhaunis-based councillor has said she expects to see a timeline for delivery of the town’s stalled primary care centre by the time the next meeting of the Regional Health Forum West is held in September.

Fine Gael Cllr Alma Gallagher asked last week's meeting of the forum when the developer is expected on site and when the HSE is expected to occupy the building. She also sought details of the services to be delivered in the building and the staff roles. Work on the centre has been stalled for almost three years.

Cllr Gallagher was told that a detailed programme for commencement through to completion is expected to be submitted in the coming weeks.

“That’s been the theme for the past three and a half years that there is no schedules or confirmation to elected representatives and we can’t respond back to our constituents,” said Cllr Gallagher. “There is a growing frustration locally."

The HSE could not confirm when it would occupy the building but said the facility should be finished within 10 months of work commencing on site with at least two months to fit out the building. Therefore, the HSE might occupy the building by late 2025.

Regional Executive Officer with HSE West and North West Tony Canavan said he expects to have a more comprehensive update at the next meeting of the forum in September.

“By September, I would ask we have a definite timeframe on the table and we can go back to the people of Ballyhaunis with some clear deadlines. Three and a half years is a long time to be waiting for some feedback from the HSE regarding commencement onsite."

Cllr Gallagher said there were further concerns that the existing Ballyhaunis Health Centre is no longer fit for today’s standards and poses health and safety risks.

“I’m inundated with healthcare workers contacting me. When you have young children being cared for in one room, older people have to go and gain entry through an outside secondary door. 

“Storage of medical equipment in a shed outside, it is just not fit for purpose in today’s standards.”