Dublin Healthcare Project Stalled Amid Resident Fears
Locals and HSE Clash Over Proposed Primary Care Centre
Plans for a new primary care centre on the site of the former Baggot Street Hospital in Dublin are facing delays due to appeals lodged with An Bord Pleanála. Concerns center around potential inclusion of a methadone clinic and the building’s proposed height.
HSE Appeals Planning Restrictions
The Health Service Executive (Bernard Gloster), is appealing conditions imposed by Dublin City Council. These include the removal of one storey from the planned six-story structure and the submission of a maintenance program for the existing hospital building. The HSE argues reducing the building’s height would render the project “unfeasible”.
According to the HSE, the height reduction would have a “minimal impact” on neighboring properties but significantly hinder the centre’s functionality. They also contend the requested maintenance program is unnecessary.
Resident Concerns and Methadone Clinic Fears
Local residents, including the Pembroke Road Association, have also appealed the council’s decision. While acknowledging the need for a new primary care centre, they criticize the proposed height as “disruptive” and “entirely excessive”. A key concern is the possibility of a methadone clinic being included in the facility.
The residents believe the planned layout, featuring a separate pharmacy, “would indicate a methadone dispensing service”. However, Dublin City Council stated that the operational aspects of the centre, including potential methadone services, fall under the HSE’s regulatory purview, not planning control.
Ireland saw a 12% increase in drug-related deaths between 2021 and 2022, highlighting the ongoing need for addiction treatment services. (HSE Drug-Related Deaths Statistics)
Hospital’s Future and Council Disappointment
The Royal City of Dublin Hospital, closed since 1987, is slated for partial redevelopment. The HSE has indicated the main hospital building is “surplus to its needs” and will be sold on the open market, as no state agency has expressed interest. Council planners expressed disappointment at the lack of a comprehensive plan for the entire site.
The council believes a masterplan for the entire site would be “planning best practice”. They also noted the HSE’s response to concerns raised during the planning process was “disappointing”, with only “minimal alterations” made.
A ruling from An Bord Pleanála is expected by early October, determining the future of the Haddington Road Primary Care Centre and the surrounding area.
