The village of Aughrim near Ballinasloe has lost the use of its Health Centre. That's according to Galway East Deputy, Paul Connaughton, who said the building has been idle since the caretaker left.

The building was used by doctors from Ballinasloe and Kiltormer for a number of hours each week and was also used by the Department of Social and Family Affairs once a week.

Deputy Connaughton said he understood that the centre has not had running water for some weeks and this rendered it unsuitable for use as a medical centre.

"I believe this building should be modernised to the degree that it will be possible to have the services returned to it, as a great number of local people prefer to use the service in their own local parish. A Health Centre is a very useful addition in any small local community," said Deputy Connaughton.

A spokesperson for the HSE West told the Galway Independent that the part-time caretaker left the Aughrim Health Centre and interviews for the post will take place at the end of this month.

The spokesperson confirmed the choice not to use the building was made due to health concerns of local doctors. It is understood that clinics will resume at the Health Centre once a new caretaker is in place.

Deputy Connaughton raised the matter with the Minister for Health in the Dáil last week.

In her reply Minister Mary Harney said the HSE "has the operational and funding responsibility for Primary Care Services and is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy.

The Health Department "has requested that the HSE arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly Deputy Connaughton".

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