Hopes that the phased transfer of patients and residents to the new Killarney Community Nursing Unit would finally begin yesterday, Monday, August 10, have been dashed after yet another deadline passed without the move taking place.

The latest delay comes despite recent optimism following negotiations under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). It was believed an agreement between the HSE and representative unions—including the INMO, SIPTU, and Fórsa—had cleared the final hurdles regarding staff transfers and safe staffing levels.

Confirmations had been issued by HSE National Director Julie O’Neill and local public representatives, including Kerry TD Michael Cahill, setting Monday, August 10, as the firm start date for the phased opening of the state-of-the-art facility on Lewis Road.

However, as of Tuesday, August 11, the doors remain closed to patients, marking the latest in a long series of false starts for the multimillion-euro unit.

Families who have waited months to see their loved ones move into the modern, purpose-built residential care home face renewed frustration and uncertainty as they await official clarity from the HSE on why yesterday’s target date was missed and when the transfer will actually commence.

Milltown history republished for 40th anniversary

The first publication to explore the history of Milltown is being republished to mark the 40th anniversary of its author’s passing.

“Milltown: Memories of Other Days” was originally written and published by local historian, auctioneer, librarian, and photographer Denis ‘Denny’ Sugrue, who died in 1986. Having been out of print for many years, the book is being brought back to life by the Milltown History and Heritage Society.
The updated and expanded 132-page edition will be launched at the old Milltown Community Hall on Saturday, August 22, at 8.00pm to coincide with National Heritage Week.
Edited by Dr John Knightly and Dr Owen O’Shea, the 40th-anniversary volume features the original text alongside new and colourised photos from Sugrue’s vast personal archive. It also includes a foreword from Sugrue’s daughter Maria and grandson Paul, as well as a curated selection of his “Milltown Notes,” a weekly column he penned for The Kerryman newspaper for nearly four decades.
“Denis Sugrue was a pioneering author and historian who had the foresight to commit much of the rich history of Milltown to paper in the 1980s,” said co-editor Owen O’Shea. “It is a unique and remarkable social history of a Kerry village in the early and middle twentieth century which we are so pleased to bring to a new audience.”
O’Shea added that the launch event will feature a display of Sugrue’s newspaper notes alongside an evening of local music, song, and storytelling to celebrate his legacy.
Supported by Kerry County Council under the Community Support Fund 2026, the launch event is open to all, with copies of the book available for purchase on the night. For further information, email milltownhistoryheritage@gmail.com.