Plans progress for several Kilkenny primary care centres
Kilkenny TD John McGuinness has welcomed progress on a number of primary care centre projects, including the expansion of the Ballyhale Primary Care Centre, which is set to have a design team appointed by the end of the year
Plans to expand the primary care centre in Ballyhale have taken a step forward with confirmation that a Design Team is to be appointed by the end of the year.
It follows a Parliamentary Question from local TD Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere to the relevant minister. After a design team is appointed, design development will follow thereafter. Once this has been progressed an overall programme for the expansion of infrastructure in Ballyhale will be determined.
“I am happy to hear of the update from the Minister that Ballyhale Primary Care Centre will have their design team appointed by the end of the year,” Deputy Cleere said. “Ballyhale is in desperate need of the expansion to their health infrastructure, and we need to progress this project as quick as possible.”
Meanwhile, there are also a number of updates on a number of other proposed primary care centre projects in the local area. Kilkenny TD and Leas Ceann Comhairle John McGuinness has welcomed progress on a number of outstanding schemes, while stressing the importance of continued momentum to ensure communities receive the healthcare infrastructure they need.
“I welcome the steps being taken to advance these projects, particularly the inclusion of Ballyhale’s primary care infrastructure expansion in the HSE Capital Plan for 2026. However, it is important that we maintain momentum and that local communities receive clear information on when they can expect these facilities to be delivered,” he said.
“Primary Care Centres are essential to bringing healthcare services closer to people, supporting GPs and other healthcare professionals, and reducing unnecessary pressure on hospitals. These developments are particularly important for communities that have been waiting for improvements to local healthcare provision.”
Graignamanagh
At Graignamanagh, planning permission was received in June 2026. Legal work has commenced, and engagement with the developer is now under way.
Deputy McGuinness welcomed this progress, noting that the focus must now be on advancing the necessary arrangements to bring the project closer to delivery.
Kikenny City: Hebron Road
The proposed Primary Care Centre at Hebron Road in Kilkenny City is currently under review. Deputy McGuinness said it is important that the HSE provides clarity on the outcome of that review and the next steps required to advance the project.
“Kilkenny City and its surrounding communities need appropriate primary care infrastructure to support a growing demand for local health services. I will be seeking further information on the status of the Hebron Road proposal and what needs to happen to move it forward,” he said.
Urlingford
The HSE has advised that a number of infrastructural upgrades have recently been completed across North Kilkenny, including developments at Castlecomer, Clogh, Johnstown and Urlingford Health Centres.
The impact of the refurbishment works at Johnstown and Urlingford on the wider Urlingford catchment area is currently under review. The HSE is also considering the availability of enhanced Primary Care services in Cashel, which serves the wider Urlingford hinterland.
On that basis, the HSE is reviewing the requirement for a dedicated Primary Care Centre in Urlingford and assessing its priority against competing primary care infrastructure needs across the Integrated Health Area.
Deputy McGuinness said: “I understand that the HSE must assess service requirements and make decisions on the basis of evidence and the effective use of existing facilities. However, it is important that the needs of Urlingford and its wider catchment area are fully considered.
“The completion of refurbishment works is welcome, but the question remains whether existing facilities and services can adequately meet present and future demand. The HSE must ensure that any decision is based on the actual healthcare needs of the local population and that the community receives a clear explanation of the outcome.”
Deputy McGuinness said he would continue to pursue updates on the outstanding projects and press for clear timelines, particularly where proposals remain under review or where the next stages of development have yet to be confirmed.
“While I welcome the progress made in Graignamanagh, Tullow and Ballyhale, and the ongoing work to assess requirements elsewhere, I want to see these projects move steadily through the various stages towards delivery.
“Communities in Carlow and Kilkenny deserve accessible, modern primary care facilities that can meet their needs. I will continue to engage with the Minister for Health and the HSE to ensure these projects remain on the agenda and that the outstanding questions around their progress are addressed.”