The HSE has been urged to explore the possibility of purchasing the old Edenburn Hospital – which has recently gone on the market – to provide public residential care for older people.
The site, previously used as a convalescent home and hospital, closed in 1988 is located just 10 minutes from Tralee.
Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae said many Kerry people of a certain age will associate it as the sanatorium for tuberculosis patients from the mid 1930’s to the mid 1960’s but it can once again play a part in the healthcare needs of Kerry people into the future, especially for an ageing population.
The fact that there is some 19 acres of gardens comprising woodland and a river walk would have even more additional benefits for patients, he maintained.
“I know that the HSE are currently investing in the new hospital in Killarney and there have been improvements in Listowel and Caherciveen but I think a lot more investing into the future needs to be done now.
“I believe that the HSE should continue to look at further facilities to help increase the number of beds into the future that we will need,” Deputy Michael Healy-Rae said.
The HSE said, however, that it has no strategic plans to purchase Edenburn at this time and pointed to the further development of Killarney, Listowel and Caherciveen hospitals as priority investments at this time.
Edenburn House and Estate is on the market for €1.6 million. The Georgian country house dates back to 1760 and is situated on 19 acres in Ballymacelligott.
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