A Fianna Fail city councillor is calling for a GP service for Ballybane, an area which houses 13.7 per cent of the city’s population.
Cllr Mary Leahy, who has been making ongoing representations in this regard, says it is high time that the basic health care needs of its residents are met.
“Ballybane has a high population with current figures at 9,870 people and continuing to rise. It is a RAPID area that houses 13.7 per cent of the city’s population. (RAPID is a national programme aimed at revitalising disadvantaged communities and one of the key reasons the Government established the programme was to address the lack of facilities and local services. ) Yet the area is without such a basic service. In addition, there is also a very high population of young children.
“It is incomprehensible that the Ballybane area has been revitalised with the development of high standard family homes, the Enterprise Centre, the Ballybane Neighbourhood Village and soon to be the new Garda Office. Yet, the area is without such a basic service such as a GP service.”
She says this situation is a hindrance to young families who have to travel outside their area to see a family doctor. She claims this is a deterrent to seeking medical aid promptly.
“The absence of GP facilities also acts as a barrier to a sense of community and the lack of such basic facilities adds further to disadvantage. In addition, with our worrying suicide rates access to a GP such not be fraught with barriers.In an area populated mainly by young families with young children, there is a great need for specific targeted action aimed at these population groups.”
Cllr Leahy will continue to make ongoing representations to both the city council and the HSE in an attempt to establish such a service.
“Such a service is a must and not a luxury.”
