Castlebar councillors give their support for Lahardane Medical Centre
Lahardane Community Action Plan hope to develop a medical centre in the village along with age friendly accommodation
CASTLEBAR councillors have called on Mayo County Council to support the Lahardane community to develop a medical centre in the village.
One of the main objectives of the Lahardane Community Action Plan is to develop a medical centre in the village along with a pharmacy and age-friendly accommodation.
The north Mayo village currently has two GPs in the existing health centre after the community led a campaign to find a GP to relocate to the village after the previous GP left.
The objectives were raised at the monthly meeting of the Castlebar Municipal District where Independent councillor Harry Barrett called on the local authority to support the community in their efforts.
“They have put forward a very comprehensive plan on that proposal and involves allowing the local GP and a second GP to move to a building in the centre of the village.
“They have asked that we provide a permanent and appropriate medical facility for this area and deliver much needed age friendly housing and very importantly we regenerate a prominent derelict site in the middle of the village. It will act as a strong example of a sustainable village community,” he said.
Cllr Barrett added that he understands that Minister Dara Calleary is supportive of the plans for Lahardane and he too wants to see it happen.
Fellow Independent councillor Michael Kilcoyne said the proposal has the backing of all the councillors and he suggested that the community get in contact with the HSE.
“The fact they have two GPs is a real turn around for an area where they could not get one two or three years ago. It is a good outcome.”
Director of Services David Mellett said that the proposals of the Lahardane community have to be commended but the proposals are at the initial stages and HSE will have to come involved.