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How much is St Finan’s worth?

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By Sean Moriarty

The property value of St Finan’s Hospital and its adjoining lands are to be revalued.

The landmark site has been vacant since 2012.

There have been several proposals put forward, including a site for social housing and a potential university campus but so far nothing has been done and the site continues to fall further into disrepair.

Current owners, the Health Services Executive insist the site will only be sold or transferred to other state bodies for its full market value.

That puts it out of reach of Kerry County Council which could also be faced with a multi-million euro repair bill for the dilapidated building which is also a protected structure.

Earlier this year Killarney Municipal District councillors wrote to the HSE seeking a current value on the property.

A reply was presented at this week’s Killarney Municipal District meeting.

“The HSE can confirm that a valuation of lands at St Finan’s Killarney was carried out in June 2018. Due to the time which has passed and changes to the site, a re-evaluation will be required,” said Paul De Freine, who is the National Director of Capital Estates with the HSE.

“the HSE will liaise with Kerry County Council and arrange for the Valuation Office to complete a current valuation of the St Finan’s site. Once the valuation has been issued to the HSE it will be shared as appropriate.

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Cross-county collaboration key to building STEM skills in the South West

A meeting in Killarney has highlighted the opportunity for greater collaboration across counties to strengthen the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) talent pipeline in the South West. Representatives from […]

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A meeting in Killarney has highlighted the opportunity for greater collaboration across counties to strengthen the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) talent pipeline in the South West.

Representatives from STEM South West met with Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae, Fearghal Reidy, CEO of Kerry County Council, and Patrick Doyle, Regional Manager of the IDA, to discuss how STEM education and industry can be supported and expanded across the region.
The STEM South West Leaders Dialogue, held at the Muckross Park Hotel, focused on how the sector can continue to grow despite challenges such as skills shortages, competitiveness, and housing pressures. Participants agreed that stronger cooperation between national and local government, education, and industry is essential.
The discussion emphasised the importance of developing a long-term strategy to attract and retain skilled workers, and to support local and multinational companies operating in STEM fields. Programmes such as the Adopt a School initiative and the annual STEM South West Careers Expo were highlighted as key ways to connect schools, students, and employers.
Minister Healy-Rae said:
“It is key that all young people are given the full opportunity to reach gainful, suitable employment. From electricians to engineers, we need to educate young people on the opportunities available to them.”
Mary Good, Managing Director of Advanced Medical Services and Chair of STEM South West, said the event showed strong support for more joint action across the South West.
“Ongoing collaboration across all sectors is key,” she said. “We are inviting Kerry and Cork schools and STEM companies to take part in our Adopt a School initiative and our Careers Expo on 20 November.”
Audience members also called for greater recognition of SMEs that play a vital role in regional employment and work closely with larger international companies.
STEM South West is a not-for-profit, industry-led cluster aimed at building the region’s capacity in science, technology, engineering and maths.
For more information, visit www.stemsouthwest.ie.

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Songwriters invited to Song Circle at West End House

Local musicians and music lovers are in for a treat later this month, as West End House hosts a special evening dedicated to original music and creative collaboration. The Song […]

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Local musicians and music lovers are in for a treat later this month, as West End House hosts a special evening dedicated to original music and creative collaboration.

The Song Circle, taking place on Saturday, November 22 at 5:30pm, invites songwriters, composers, and performers of all styles to come together in a relaxed, welcoming setting to share their work and connect with others.
Whether you’re an experienced performer eager to showcase your own material or simply want to listen and be inspired, the Song Circle promises a warm, inclusive atmosphere that celebrates creativity and community spirit.
Organisers say the event is about more than performance , it’s about building a network of local musicians who can support and learn from one another.
The evening is free to attend, though booking is advised, as spaces are limited.
For more information or to reserve a spot, visit westendhouse.ie.

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