Kelly Welcomes Arklow's Selection as `Model Town'

By Tony Murphy

Arklow's selection as a model town under the `Healthy Town' initiative was welcomed today by Councillor Nicky Kelly, Chairman of the local Health Care Improvement Committee. The initiative is an extension of the `Healthy Cities' project launched by the World Health Organisation.

As Chairperson of the voluntary group, Cllr. Kelly said the publication of the local committee's report, their consultations with the East Coast Area Health Board, and the Strategic Planning Sub Committee during the past two years, had highlighted the lack of essential health care facilities in Arklow and small rural communities in the south of the County. He added that an official needs assessment of health care facilities and services for Arklow and surrounding areas is expected to commence in the near future.

Welcoming initial funding of C32,000, Cllr. Kelly said he looks forward to further developments and essential funding which will bring about an emergency treatment centre, X Ray unit, respite centre, and a range of local medical consultation services and other Arklow based facilities.

Cllr. Kelly said he is pleased about the partnership approach between the ECAHB and the Arklow committee, which he anticipates, will help to further recognise and meet the health care needs of many individuals, families and local communities in the area.