Construction to begin on long-awaited Glanmire primary care centre by Halloween

Construction will finally begin on Glanmire’s new 3,300 sq. metre primary care centre, resolving years of delay and uncertainty

CGI of proposed Valley Healthcare Primary Care Centre in Riverstown, Glanmire

Work on a new primary care centre in Glanmire, Cork, will begin by Halloween, the HSE has confirmed.

The commitment follows earlier concerns about planning delays linked to potential flooding near the site, which have since been resolved.

The HSE said the developer intends to start construction on or before October 31.

Valley Healthcare — an investment fund established to own, develop, and operate primary care centres — will begin work at the long-vacant site of the former John Barleycorn Hotel. The hotel was destroyed by fire in 2006, and the site has remained unused since.

The new centre will measure 3,313 sq. metres and serve as a one-stop healthcare hub for the local community. It will include a retail unit, pharmacy, and two GP practices.

The Irish Examiner previously reported it is likely to operate under a lease agreement, with the HSE leasing the facility from Valley Healthcare.

A similar arrangement is planned for the upcoming primary care centre at the Woollen Mills in Blarney.

The update was shared by the HSE Southwest Primary Care Unit with Fianna Fáil TD Pádraig O’Sullivan.

Mr O'Sullivan said Glanmire’s growing population of between 15,000 and 20,000 people urgently needs new healthcare services and facilities.

“This new facility represents a vital and much needed investment in local healthcare services,” he said.

“I will continue to advocate for the urgent delivery of additional Primary Care Centres in both Mayfield and Blarney to ensure that all communities in the area have access to high quality, accessible healthcare.” 

Architecture firm Reddy Architecture + Urbanism said the Glanmire site will feature a two-storey building connected to the Glanmire & Riverstown Greenway.

It described the plans as “a strong example of sustainable urban regeneration in action.”

Valley Healthcare operates about 20 primary care centres across Ireland, with at least six more currently in development.