Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and Fine Gael TD for Dublin Central, Paschal Donohoe, has said that the development of 2 new primary care centres in Dublin Central will benefit the health of the people of in the area. Minister Donohoe was speaking after the European Investment Bank (EIB) confirmed it has approved a €70 million loan in principle to invest in the Public Private Partnership project for Primary Care Centres.
“The fact that the EIB has approved a loan of this scale is great news for the people of Dublin Central and beyond, who will benefit from the development of Primary Care Centres in Grangegorman and Summerhill.
“The EIB funding represents up to 50% of the finance required to deliver primary care centres at 14 locations throughout Ireland. The fact too that the loan is coming at a cheaper rate than would be otherwise available means is great news for the taxpayer.
“This Government has always prioritised primary care as the future model of health provision in Ireland. It is far better to focus on health care in the community where possible, to alleviate pressure on our hospitals and ensure people get the best care close to home.
“Since March 2011, 44 Primary Care Centres have already opened through investment by the State either by direct build or by means of the operational lease mechanism. This is a rate of one primary care centre per month. The delivery method for the Summerhill centre is through Public private Partnership (PPP) and the Grangegorman facility will be delivered through direct build.
“Work is due to start on the centres around the country in 2016. All of the centres will house GP and community nursing teams and centres will offer extra services, including some or all of the following: Dental, Occupational therapy, Physiotherapy, Social work, Speech & Language, Home help, Mental health, Counselling, Nutrition.
“The Minister for Health Leo Varadkar has noted that this EIB loan is a vote of confidence in the Government’s strategy to prioritise community health care in primary care centres, with the result that thepeople of Dublin Central can look forward to excellent health care in the local community setting.”
ENDS