Significant investment into 'essential' primary care infrastructure in Offaly welcomed

Fine Gael TD for Offaly, John Clendennen has welcomed confirmation of significant primary care infrastructure investment in Offaly.

Birr Primary Care Centre is due to open in the first half of this year and will allow for the consolidation of primary care and mental health services under one roof, alongside an extensive GP practice.

In addition, the Edenderry Primary Care Centre is now progressing through the planning process, with a planning application submitted to Offaly County Council.

Deputy Clendennen explained: "Modern primary care centres are essential to delivering services closer to home, reducing pressure on hospitals and improving patient outcomes." 

These developments in Birr and Edenderry, alongside recent centres in Tullamore and Banagher, represent real and tangible investment in healthcare across Offaly."

The Fine Gael TD also welcomed a detailed update from the Minister for Health after he highlighted the long waiting times for primary care and children’s therapy services across Offaly and the wider Midlands.

Deputy Clendennen told the Dáil recently that families are experiencing unacceptable delays for access to essential community-based supports, he raised the issue to seek clarity on both staffing and infrastructure commitments.

Speaking on the need to address the matter, he said: "While waiting times can be expected in the health system, they are particularly challenging for families waiting on primary care and children’s services.

I raised these concerns directly in the Dáil and I welcome the confirmation that a focused programme of work is now underway to tackle these waiting lists."

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Deputy Clendennen confirmed that as part of a national initiative requested by Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, the HSE has been directed to put measures in place to address waiting lists for physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy.

This programme is expected to remove over 60,000 patients from waiting lists nationwide and to ensure progress is sustained, the HSE has also received approval to recruit an additional 200 full-time equivalent posts to primary care therapy services under the National Service Plan for 2026.

Of particular relevance locally, 12 additional posts have been allocated to the Integrated Healthcare Area Midlands, including roles to address vacancies in children’s services across Offaly and Laois.

The Fine Gael TD commented: "This is a positive step and demonstrates a recognition that primary care services need to be strengthened at community level.

Recruitment and retention will now be key, and I will continue to engage with the HSE to ensure these posts translate into real improvements for families on the ground."

John Clendennen TD said he will continue to advocate for improved access, reduced waiting times and strong primary care services that meet the needs of children, families and older people across the county.