Primary Care Centres

104. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the development of the planned new primary care centre for Gorey, County Wexford. [72409/26]

I ask the Minister for an update on the planned primary care centre for Gorey, County Wexford. Since tabling this question, there has been progress and we are about to hear the announcement, so I thank the Minister for her work on this.

As the Deputy and I have discussed before, the primary care centre in Gorey had been identified and a tender process was undertaken. This concluded unsuccessfully, which was extremely disappointing and resulted in the centre being delayed. A new tender process had to be commenced. Following advertisement on the e-tenders procurement platform, I am pleased to confirm that the HSE has advised the tender process has now completed stage 2, which is a priced offer. The tenders received have been evaluated and HSE board approval for a preferred developer was given on 25 September 2026, with letters issued to all developers in relation to the outcome of the process. Following that approval, there is a two-week standstill period after which the HSE can formally engage with the preferred developer. Thereafter, a definitive projected timeline for construction and opening of the primary care centre in Gorey will become available. When it is completed, the centre will accommodate a range of services, including a GP practice, nursing services, dental, disability, CAMHS and other primary care therapies. I assure the Deputy, as I have before, that my Department and I will continue to actively engage with the HSE in relation to the development and completion of the Gorey primary care centre.

I thank the Minister. It was fortunate I got to meet with the HSE on Friday after tabling this question and it confirmed the position. I am grateful for the Minister's work on the matter. It is critical that construction starts as soon as possible after the tender is awarded. We look forward to inviting the Minister to Gorey to cut the ribbon in the not too distant future.

I look forward to it greatly.