By Sean Moriarty

Local councillor Brendan Cronin is calling for the removal of the ‘Protected Structure’ designation at the former St Finan's Hospital.

Cllr Brendan Cronin

The historic building has been lying idle since it closed in September 2012.

The hospital and adjoining lands are up for sale by the Health Service Executive (HSE) since then.

So far no realistic offer has been made on the site despite suggestions that it could be used for social housing, a catering college and a hotel.

Each year the building, which was built in the 1850s, falls into further disrepair.

Cronin believes its protected status is deterring potential buyers.

At Monday’s full meeting of Kerry County Council Cronin asked the Council executive to reconsider the designation.

“This is a strategically important site and the protected structure designation is a major impediment to any development or use of the building and adjacent lands, the building has been left empty and idle since closing in 2012 and taking on the burden of well over €100 million renovations has proven to be financially toxic,” he told the meeting.

“Ultimately, as time moves on it will become a derelict eyesore like similar buildings in other counties and cities. A change needs to be made in the current designation to lift the obstacles blocking the potential of this important site."

Kerry County Council management did not support the idea.

“A declaration has been issued in relation to the St Finan’s building and it is considered that the elements specified to be retained are not overly restrictive and do not impinge on the ability of this structure to be retained and renovated for a variety of uses. Kerry County Council offers a comprehensive pre-planning service and looks forward to meeting and engaging with the owners or prospective owners of the building with regard to its renovation,” said a Council official.