Connect with us

News

HSE has 11 days to honour hospital opening promise

Published

on

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."

Advertisement

News

Tributes paid to former Supreme Court Judge Hugh O’Flaherty

Tributes have been led by the Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society following the passing of former Supreme Court Judge Hugh O’Flaherty. A native of Cahersiveen, Judge O’Flaherty was a nephew of […]

Published

on

Tributes have been led by the Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society following the passing of former Supreme Court Judge Hugh O’Flaherty.

A native of Cahersiveen, Judge O’Flaherty was a nephew of the famous Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty, who saved thousands of lives during World War II.
Since the formation of the Memorial Society in 2008, Judge O’Flaherty and his sister Pearl served as its inaugural patrons. He remained a dedicated supporter of the organization by assisting with fundraising efforts, connecting the society with international contacts, securing archive memorabilia, and advising authors and filmmakers working to preserve his uncle’s legacy.
Together with his late wife Kay, he was a regular attendee at society functions across Dublin and Killarney and participated in several of its Rome tours. The society described him as an “irreplaceable touchstone” for all matters relating to Monsignor Hugh.
Kerry TD Michael Cahill also paid tribute to the former Supreme Court judge, describing him as an outstanding public servant who dedicated his life to the law and the Irish State.
Deputy Cahill highlighted Judge O’Flaherty’s strong lifelong connection to South Kerry, his commitment to preserving his uncle’s humanitarian legacy, his charitable work, and his passion as one of Kerry GAA’s greatest supporters.
Judge O’Flaherty is survived by his sister Pearl, his children Bríd, Catherine, Hugh, and Rory, and his extended family.

Continue Reading

News

Gaelscoil Faithleann pupils reach Belfast final

Published

on

Gaelscoil Faithleann pupils reach Belfast final


Three pupils from Gaelscoil Faithleann are heading to Belfast this weekend to represent Kerry in the All-Ireland Final of the Comhrá Gaeilge competition at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.


The journey began back in March, when extra practice sessions got underway for approximately 30 students preparing for Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí in Cahersiveen at the end of May.
The school enjoyed great success at the county level, with eight pupils qualifying for the Munster Fleadh in Lismore on Friday, July 17. Following another strong performance in Waterford, an outstanding three pupils, Aideen, Brynn, and Josie, progressed to the All-Ireland Final in Belfast.
The competition offers young speakers a valuable platform to build confidence in spoken Irish, operating in a similar style to the Leaving Certificate oral examination. The well-known saying, “Beatha teanga í a labhairt” (“The life of a language is in speaking it”), perfectly reflects the spirit of their achievement.
Principal Lisa Ní Iarlaithe said that the entire school community is behind the three finalists and is immensely proud of their remarkable success. Reaching the All-Ireland Final is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and love of the Irish language, and everyone at Gaelscoil Faithleann wishes Aideen, Brynn, and Josie the very best of luck in Belfast.
Comhghairdeas ó chroí leo go léir!

Attachments

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport