O’Shea Welcomes Progress on New Kanturk Primary Care Centre

Deputy John Paul O’Shea TD has welcomed confirmation that significant progress is being made towards the delivery of a new Primary Care Centre for Kanturk, following a parliamentary reply received from the HSE.

Deputy O’Shea said he had sought an update from the Minister for Health on the long-awaited project and was encouraged to learn that a preferred provider has now been identified following a new procurement process.

“The people of Kanturk and the wider North Cork area have been waiting a long time to see this project move forward, so it is very welcome that the HSE has confirmed a preferred provider has now been identified and that the project is progressing through the necessary approval processes,” Deputy O’Shea said.

The HSE confirmed that an earlier procurement process had unfortunately collapsed after the originally selected preferred provider withdrew from the project. A fresh two-stage tender competition was subsequently undertaken, with returned tenders evaluated and a new preferred provider identified.

According to the HSE, the project is now progressing through internal review and governance procedures, culminating in consideration by the HSE Board. Subject to Board approval and the successful completion of due diligence, formal notification will then issue to all tenderers in line with procurement requirements.

Deputy O’Shea said the development of a modern Primary Care Centre would represent a major investment in healthcare services for Kanturk and the wider North Cork area.

“A new Primary Care Centre will allow more healthcare services to be delivered closer to people’s homes, providing improved access to GPs, community nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and a range of other primary care services. It is an important piece of healthcare infrastructure for Kanturk and the surrounding communities.”

“While I appreciate that there are still a number of formal steps to be completed before contracts can be finalised, it is encouraging that the project has reached this stage after the setback caused by the withdrawal of the original preferred provider. I want to acknowledge the work that has gone into getting the project back on track.”

Deputy O’Shea reiterated that he will continue to engage with the HSE and the Minister for Health to ensure the project continues to advance without unnecessary delay.

“I will continue to work closely with the HSE and the Department of Health to ensure that momentum is maintained. The people of Kanturk deserve modern healthcare facilities, and I will continue to press for the earliest possible commencement of this much-needed Primary Care Centre.”

Local Fine Gael Councillor Trish Murphy also welcomed the progress made on the project, describing it as an important milestone for healthcare provision across North Cork.

Cllr. Murphy said “This is very encouraging news for Kanturk and the surrounding communities. A modern Primary Care Centre has been needed for many years and will make a real difference by allowing more healthcare services to be provided locally in a purpose-built facility. While there are still approval processes to be completed, it is very positive that a preferred provider has now been identified and that the project is moving forward once again.”

She added “I want to acknowledge the continued work of Deputy John Paul O’Shea in keeping this project high on the agenda and in seeking regular updates from the HSE. This is an important investment for our town and I look forward to seeing the remaining approvals completed so that construction can commence as soon as possible.”

Deputy O’Shea concluded by saying that the new Primary Care Centre represents a significant opportunity to strengthen healthcare services in the region.

“This investment will benefit not only the people of Kanturk but communities throughout North Cork who rely on accessible, high-quality primary care services. I will continue working to ensure this long-awaited project reaches construction as quickly as possible and delivers the modern healthcare facility that local people deserve.”