Planning application lodged for new primary care centre in Edenderry
By Rebekah O'Reilly
A planning application has been submitted to Offaly County Council for the construction of a new purpose-built primary care centre in Edenderry.
The plans, which were received by the local authority on January 19, state that, if approved, the proposed development will provide a suite of medical services to the rapidly-growing north Offaly town and surrounding area.
Dr Maurice Carroll lodged the planning bid for a primary care centre which would include social care services; a GP clinic, a retail unit and ancillary offices across two separate buildings.
According to the plans, the proposed primary care centre and GP clinic aim “to deliver modern, integrated healthcare aligned with Ireland’s primary care model,” while also acting “as a civic anchor within the Blundell Masterplan, reconnecting the town, activating public space, and supporting a healthy, accessible and people-focused heart for Edenderry”.
The Blundell Masterplan seeks to set in place a positive road map for unlocking the potential of Edenderry, and helping the area be transformed into a thriving part of the historic town centre.
The proposed development would be constructed on a brownfield site of 1.23 hectares bounded by Blundell Avenue and Fairgreen Road in the centre of the town. The site is located behind the new Edenderry Library, just off Main Street, in an area which housed the old Williams Waller Grain Store.
The proposed primary health care centre and GP surgery has a total gross floor area of 3,832.8sqm, and is due to comprise: a reception and waiting spaces; community nursing facilities including three treatment rooms and a wound clinic; diagnostics area including X-ray room, ultrasound, and CT scan; speech therapy facilities; occupational and physiotherapy facilities; dental facilities; general offices, staff facilities, and ancillary stores and waste areas.
The GP surgery would be connected to the primary health care centre and comprise 29 consulting rooms, including nursing rooms, ancillary stores, associated offices, administration areas and meeting rooms; and a plant area on the roof including PV (solar panel) array. A second building would include a retail unit, café, and first floor offices, ancillary facilities and a plant area on the roof including PV array.
In addition, ancillary buildings containing electrical substation and switch room, bin storage and secure cycle parking would also be provided.
The proposed development will include two new vehicular access points, one of Blundell Avenue and a second access point off Fairgreen Road.
It’s also due to incorporate a central walkway as per the Blundell masterplan, off Blundell Avenue; and the provision of surface car parking for 148 car parking spaces including 15 electrical vehicle spaces, 11 accessible spaces, 100 cycle parking stands (including secured cycle spaces), associated footpaths and internal access roads.
As part of the planning application submitted to Offaly County Council, it is proposed to demolish a number of existing structures, including warehouses, silos and sheds to make way for the new medical centre.
According to the plans, the Primary Care Centre and GP clinic aim to provide essential civic and community services that attract consistent daily footfall, while the retail unit, café and office accommodation introduce active ground-floor uses and employment opportunities that support town centre activity throughout the day.
Public submissions on the planning application can be made up until February 22, and a decision is due to be made by Offaly County Council by March 15 next.