Kildare South Fine Gael TD Martin Heydon has welcomed confirmation from the HSE that progress has been made on a new location for Athy’s new Primary Care Centre with confirmation that planning is soon to be lodged for the development at the former Shirt Factory site on the Dublin Road.
“I am delighted, having assisted the HSE and KCC since the initial site at Shaw’s ran into difficulties that we can now confirm that the site of the former Shirt Factory is being progressed as the location for Athy’s new Primary Care Centre.
“Initial plans had proposed the development of a Primary Care Centre on the site of Shaws Department Store in the town. Following a detailed review of the town centre proposal, Shaw & Sons Ltd. subsequently proposed an alternative site on the N78 Dublin Road in Athy. This is on the former ‘Shirt Factory’ site which is located adjacent to Athy GFC. This followed a process where other potential sites within the town centre were proposed including the Dominican site which, for a number of reasons, it was not possible to progress.
“The Shirt Factory proposal is now being progressed with a planning application expected to be submitted before the end of the year.
“The new primary care centre will include a full range of services with provision for GP services, community nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech & language therapy, mental health, social inclusion and will also provide opportunities for community uses as part of the HSE Health & Wellbeing programme.
The centre will be a focal point locally for the roll out of government policy in relation to chronic disease management and other clinical programmes as they come on stream and will be a boost to services for residents in the town.