This significant project involves the building of a modern purpose built Primary Care Centre and interconnected 20-bed Community Hospital – or as it is formally known, Care Managed Unit (CMU)  – which will also include a day service facility.

“It is a great privilege for me as the local Government TD to turn the sod on this wonderful development, which will serve the people of Ballinamore and surrounding areas.

“This is the second major project to get underway in Ballinamore in the last eight months, with work now well underway on the new community school. I am delighted that both the school and this €6m health project will both open their doors next year.

“I am very pleased that the construction of this Community Hospital and Primary Care Centre will now commence, which will be major additions to the local and regional health infrastructure.

“The CMU will help support older people in the community to continue to manage their own lives, supported by valued teams of health care staff in a home-like environment.

“The role of the new Primary Care Centre also certainly fits in with the Government’s primary care strategy, which is to provide a range of key specialist services addressing the health needs of local communities – and all under the one roof.

“Using this approach, the primary point of contact between a person and the health system is through their local Primary Care Team. Accordingly, it makes absolute sense that HSE staff and local GPs can share information and jointly plan care for people living in our communities.

“I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all the stakeholders who have worked so hard to bring this project to fruition. I would like to especially thank the HSE; Dr Sean Bourke; the Primary Care Team; and members of the local Community Health Forum, all of whom have ensured that this multi-health facility has now become a reality.

“I also would like to thank Reddy Architects, for their excellent design work, and I wish JJ Rhatigan contractors the very best as they now commence construction on this state-of-the-art complex.

“The construction phase of this important project will undoubtedly provide a welcome employment boost and I have no doubt too that there will also be additional short and long-term spin-offs for the local economy.”