News
Over €13m funding boost for Kerry health care services
By Michelle Crean
Kerry healthcare services are set to receive a €13.11m boost in funding this year which will greatly enhance their services.
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University Hospital Kerry (UHK) will receive over €12.5 million in funding this year for a host of key projects including over €6.5 million to fund a state-of-the-art new Blood Science Project creating a vertical extension and the refurbishment of the existing pathology laboratory.
Cahersiveen Community Hospital will receive €140,000 for the provision of a new Ambulance station, while Listowel Community Hospital will receive an investment of €160,000 which will facilitate the refurbishment and extension of a 33 bed facility.
Nationally the health capital funding available in 2022 for the construction and equipping of healthcare facilities is €1.02bn, an increase of 4% on 2021.
Cahersiveen Community Hospital will be given €240,000 for the provision of a new ambulance station and the HIQA compliance refurbishment and extension of 33 beds.
Listowel Community Hospital is set to get €160,000 for the JIQA compliance and extension of 24 beds.
As part of the €12.5 million funding for UHK €20,000 will be for construction works to allow for the installation of a second CT scanner, €1.13 million in funding to build five new single en-suite rooms in an existing orthopaedic ward, €600,000 in funding to enhance maternity birthing development including triage assessment, an antenatal ward, single bed induction rooms, birthing rooms and ancillary accommodation, €1.8 million will fund the provision of an additional theatre (Obstetrics), plus upgrade of an existing theatre and vertical extension, while €1.1 million will be spent on the replacement of key water infrastructure. €750,000 will cover installation of a new emergency lighting system, while €300,000 will go towards the reconfiguration of the existing High Dependency Unit. €250,000 will be spent this year on the upgrade and extension to the Oncology Ward.
“I welcome the significant investment of over €13 million in healthcare facilities which is a clear endorsement of the excellence in vital healthcare provision delivered on a daily basis throughout the county,"
Minister Foley said.
"This funding will significantly enhance the provision of vital local services in the county. I also welcome the important investment in University Hospital Kerry which will provide for an extension and refurbishment to establish a new Blood Science project, the improvement of maternity facilities and the provision of a new obstetrics operating theatre which will improve and enhance the already excellent facilities available. I have consistently advocated for enhanced and additional health services in the county with Minister Donnelly and I wish to thank him for this significant investment in the provision of healthcare services in Kerry.”
Tracy Coyne elected Vice President of Irish Hotels Federation
The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) has announced the election of hospitality executive Tracy Coyne as Vice President of the Federation.
She joins IHF President Matt O’Connor in representing over 900 hotels and guesthouses, a sector that employs more than 69,000 people nationwide.
A long-standing and active member of the IHF, Ms Coyne brings extensive experience to the national role. She has previously served on the IHF’s National Council and Management Committee and currently holds a senior executive position in Kerry. Her professional background spans financial services, corporate finance, and hotel asset management.
Commenting on her election, Ms Coyne who continues in her role running the International Hotel said it was a tremendous privilege to represent a sector that makes such a significant contribution to the economy and that she looks forward to engaging with Government and industry partners to support key policy priorities, particularly regarding cost competitiveness, sustainability, and people development.
IHF President Matt O’Connor congratulated Ms Coyne on her election, saying that her commitment to the sector and professional experience are great assets to the IHF as it continues to advocate for members at the highest levels of Government.
Lissivigeen pupils create glass mosaics for new sensory garden
Fifth-class pupils at Lissivigeen National School have completed a series of colourful glass mosaics as part of the national BLAST Residency Programme.
The project saw the school collaborate with Kerry-based glass artist Julianne Foley over a 20-hour residency focused on creativity and hands-on design.
The initiative, part of the Creative Youth Plan, allows schools to work with professional artists to develop skills in innovation and problem-solving. Guided by Julianne, the students in Ms O’Mahony’s class moved from initial sketches to cutting and arranging multicoloured glass before grouting their final pieces.
The artwork was inspired by the school’s new sensory garden, which is currently under construction. Principal Ellen Cagney noted that the project provided a unique opportunity for pupils to express themselves artistically while working together on a shared vision for the school grounds. The finished mosaics are currently on display in the school lobby before they are moved to their permanent home in the garden.
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