Minister Finian Mc Grath and HSE officials are to meet with a delegation from the Cleary Centre in Donegal Town over growing concerns regarding previous commitments given regarding capital funding for the centre.
Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher welcomed the move after he helped to organise the meeting.
He said “I can now confirm that the Minister of State Finian Mc Grath along with HSE officials have agreed to meet with a delegation from the Cleary Centre in order to progress this project. I have been lobbying the Department and the Minister on this matter for some time and firmly believe the only way to progress this project is to have all parties around the one table in order to resolve the outstanding matters.”
Pat the Cope added the Department has assured him that there are adequate funds within the HSE budget in order to deliver this project but meantime the project is stalled to all intents and purposes.
“The Minister’s office has confirmed to me that he will meet with a delegation from the Cleary Centre on the 18th of April; the meeting will also have the necessary HSE Officials present who have first-hand knowledge of this project.
“It is evident that the difficulties in progressing the Cleary centre project are down to Government procrastination. Earlier this year the HSE failed to meet a deadline in submitting an application for funding for the centre, but subsequent lobbying by me ensured that the application was accepted by the HSE National Capital & Property Steering Group.
“It is essential that funding is approved for this project without further delay and the necessary permissions and funding are given to the centre.”
Deputy Gallagher added stated the meeting arranged for the 18th of April provides an excellent opportunity to progress this project and the Department and HSE to co-ordinate their joint strategy for delivering this project.
“All Dáil Deputies for the constituency have been invited to attend the meeting in addition to representatives of the centre. I am fully committed to seeing this project delivered and will maintain the pressure on the Minister’s office to keep it as a priority for funding.”
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