The clock is ticking for the HSE to honour its commitment to opening the new Killarney Community Nursing Unit (CNU), with just 11 working days remaining until the end of March deadline.

Following the St Patrick’s Day bank holiday and upcoming weekends, the HSE has a rapidly closing window to meet its "Quarter 1" opening target, date previously confirmed to both the Mayor of Killarney and the Regional Health Forum South West.

At the recent Regional Health Forum, Cllr Jackie Healy-Rae pressed for a definitive opening date for the long-awaited facility.

The official response from HSE South West stated that they are "actively working" to open the unit by the end of March, following a recent pre-registration visit by HIQA.

The HSE confirmed it is currently closing out recommendations from that visit before submitting a formal registration application.

However, Cllr Healy-Rae questioned the strength of this commitment. "Intentions are not guarantees," he said. "I asked directly on the record whether the HSE is committing to having the full complex open by the end of March, and the response given was that it is their intention to do so."

Staffing concerns
The project, which was originally expected to be operational by Christmas 2024, has been plagued by delays.

The HSE’s official reply acknowledged that "workforce planning and engagement with staff is ongoing" to ensure the correct skill mix is in place.

This admission confirms that staffing remains a significant hurdle in getting residents moved into the new home.

Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Martin Grady, expressed his deep concern that the end-of-month deadline will be missed yet again.

"This is extremely disappointing for the people of Killarney and across County Kerry," Mayor Grady said. "We are in urgent need of additional beds, and this facility is already well behind schedule."

The delay is also stalling other vital local health projects. The proposed new primary care centre at St Columbanus cannot fully progress until the nursing unit is open and residents have been transferred.

"People are losing confidence," Mayor Grady said. "We have been given false hope too many times. Our community deserves clarity and deliver, no more broken promises."