HIQA registration delays opening of new hospital

Confusion surrounds the opening date of the new 130-bed Killarney Community Nursing Unit, with a Dáil debate revealing that a previous end-of-June opening target is now dependent on resolving outstanding registration issues with the health watchdog, HIQA.

Speaking in the Dáil this week, Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae criticised the ongoing delays, stating that Kerry TDs were assured by local HSE management on May 29 that the facility would open before the end of June. However, county councillors at a HSE SouthWest Forum were informed a week later that this target would not be met.
“Who is calling the shots? Is it the HSE at national level? Is it the Minister?” Deputy Healy-Rae asked. “The lights have been on in the building since before Christmas and it was cleared to go. We are begging for this on our knees.”
He highlighted that the delay impacts 30 planned dementia-specific beds, as well as broader plans for a minor injuries unit and a primary care centre at the St Columbanus’s site.
Responding on behalf of the government, Deputy Jennifer Murnane O’Connor maintained that the HSE still expects the unit to open before the end of June, but confirmed the timeline depends entirely on HIQA registration.
“The HSE is engaging with HIQA regarding a small number of outstanding issues,” she said. “Once HIQA registration is granted, the HSE will set a date and move forward with the transfer of residents.”
Deputy Healy-Rae countered that the response was identical to information provided by the government a month ago. He questioned why staffing agreements and HIQA certifications were not finalised sooner, given the building was structurally completed last December.

INMO serves notice of industrial action

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has served notice of industrial action on HSE South West over proposed staffing levels at the new facility.
The union stated that its members are deeply dissatisfied with the proposed rosters, which they claim fall short of the staffing required to deliver safe care on day and night duties.
INMO Industrial Relations Executive Kathryn Courtney said there is a significant staffing gap compared to similar facilities, leaving members with no choice but to take action.

Kerry Friends of Motor Neurone present €20,500 to national association

Kerry Friends of Motor Neurone recently presented a cheque for €20,500 to the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) at the Plaza Hotel.

The funds represent the total raised over the past 12 months through various local initiatives. These included contributions from the Tralee Lions Club, Ballybunion Lady Captain’s Day, the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, a Killarney darts competition, the annual Killarney Flag Day collection, and numerous individual donations.
Kerry Friends of Motor Neurone Chairman, Christy Lehane, welcomed the IMNDA delegation, which included CEO Kevin Burn, Head of Communications Fiona Thornton, Community and Operations Manager Tracy Hutchin, and Hub Project Worker Manika Nia Dixon.
During the meeting, the IMNDA representatives outlined the operational challenges they face. The association requires €2.75 million annually to provide services across the 26 counties, with 90% of that budget now dependent entirely on public fundraising.
CEO Kevin Burn stated that fundraising contributions are a lifeline for the community, directly funding specialised equipment and home care hours. The association currently employs seven nurses who travel nationwide to support sufferers and their families. There are currently more than 470 people living with MND in Ireland, including 20 individuals in County Kerry.
Fiona Thornton, Head of Communications at the IMNDA, expressed gratitude to the Kerry group for their ongoing commitment, noting that the funds directly support essential services, including specialist nursing care, equipment provision, and emotional support for families.
Christy Lehane thanked the Kerry Friends of Motor Neurone committee and the general public for their continued support since the group was formed in 2011, noting the increasing difficulty of fundraising in a highly competitive environment. He described the fact that 90% of the national service’s budget relies on charity as a challenging and unacceptable situation that has yet to be properly addressed by state authorities.