New Primary Care Centre in Portlaoise takes ‘significant step closer’ as HSE apply for planning permission

The long-awaited Primary Care Centre in Portlaoise has taken “a significant step closer” as the Health Service Executive (HSE) has applied for planning permission with Laois County Council.

A number of local representatives have confirmed the HSE’s application for the proposed facility, which would be developed on the grounds of St Fintan’s Hospital on the Dublin Road, Portlaoise.

The proposed development is for a four-storey building which is to include a GP surgery, dental and orthodontic surgeries, outpatient facilities, consultant treatment rooms, as well as physiotherapy and occupational therapy rooms.

There will also be group rooms for day-hospital use as well as Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), x-ray and ultrasound services, administrative offices, staff and meeting rooms, clinical and utility stores, and waiting areas.

The application includes a new car park with 104 car parking spaces, including accessible spaces and electrical vehicle charging places, as well as 80 bicycle spaces.

Local Independent Republicans Brian Stanley TD and Councillor Caroline Dwane Stanley have jointly greeted the news, saying: “This is welcome as it’s an issue that we have long campaigned on, as Portlaoise is one of the few towns of it’s size in the State that doesn’t have such a facility.

“It’s important that this badly-needed facility progresses in a timely manner.

“We will be making representations to Laois County Council to have the planning application expedited.”

Laois Fianna Fáil TD Sean Fleming also welcomed the news, saying: “This issue has been under consideration for a considerable time and it is great to see that progress is now underway.

“I look forward to this application progressing through Laois County Council as quickly as possible because it is a much-needed service in the town of approximately 30,000 people.

“Approval of planning permission will then give certainty in relation to the timescale of when the project can go to tender and construction.

“Portlaoise is a growing town in a growing county and this new Primary Care Centre will be a great addition to health services locally.

“I look forward to this proceeding and improved health services in Portlaoise being made available as soon as is practicable.”

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