Given the current state of disrepair of the main St Finan’s Hospital building in Killarney, remedial or reconstruction works would be prohibitively costly as a stand-alone project and, arguably, it might not be financially viable, Kerry County Council has indicated.
Asked by Cllr Maura Healy-Rae for an update regarding the landbank overlooking the town, officials said the Health Service Executive remains the owner of the property, a portion of which is currently being developed as a new-build community nursing unit close to the bypass road.
The HSE has decided that the property will not be subdivided any further.
“A significant portion of the buildings are part of a protected structure and the style and nature of the current layout, the current condition and the works required mean any remedial or reconstruction works would be extremely costly,” the council said.
The works would also be in isolation from any residual development value in the associated lands.
“It is arguably not financially viable,” officials stated.
The property is currently available, as one lot, for any transfer process should a state agency identify a suitable project and associated funding but, if no such prospect emerges, the land and building will be made available for public sale.
The council has engaged with the Land Development Agency to establish whether a project is possible and that engagement is ongoing.
Meanwhile, Cllr Brendan Cronin has insisted that the council seeks clarification from the HSE on its plans for the Killarney Community Hospital and St Columbanus buildings once the new community nursing unit is up and running.
“I believe it is very important to get this clarification before Kerry County Council sings over lands at Áras Phádraig on Lewis Road to the HSE for a primary care centre,” he said.
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