News
HSE has 11 days to honour hospital opening promise
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."
FESTIVAL HIT: Local accordion virtuoso Liam O’Connor pictured performing alongside his family band members, daughter Saoirse on vocals and keyboards, and sons Oisín on guitar and Cillian on drums, during their high-energy set on the Salty Dog Stage at Electric Picnic in Stradbally last weekend. Photos: Paul Dargan
Camera Club exhibition opens at Killarney House
Killarney Camera Club’s 25th anniversary exhibition is open to the public at Killarney House until Sunday, October 4.
Mayor of Killarney Councillor John O’Donoghue officially opened the event, which features a wide range of work from local photographers capturing landscapes, people, and moments from home and abroad.
Speaking at the opening, Mayor O’Donoghue highlighted the rich natural surroundings available to local photographers. “We are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world, with dramatic mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, and a vibrant town centre, as well as beaches and open sea just a short distance away,” he said.
In a lighthearted admission, the Mayor admitted to storing hundreds of photos on his phone, adding that seeing the standard of work on display inspired him “to finally print some of my own photographs for posterity.”
The club was founded in 2001 as the Photographic Society of Killarney at the Park Place Hotel before adopting its current name in 2006. Founding member Seamus Long recalled starting with just eight members, contrasting it with today’s membership of over 30 photographers who meet at the ANAM Arts and Cultural Centre.
“There is nothing better than seeing your images in print, mounted and framed and hanging on a wall,” Mr Long said, referencing the club’s shift from traditional darkrooms to modern digital photography.
To mark the anniversary, the club has published a commemorative booklet featuring 25 select images from members past and present. The limited-edition booklet is available at Eason’s and directly from the club.
The exhibition runs daily at Killarney House until October 4. Admission is free and all are welcome.
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