Following recent inquiries about the future of HSE properties by the Killarney Advertiser, the HSE South West has provided an update on several projects aimed at developing and improving healthcare services in the area.

Killarney Primary Care Centre

"We are acutely aware of the huge need for a primary care facility in Killarney," stated a HSE official.

The recently approved planning application for a facility on the grounds of the Áras Phádraig site, a joint venture with Kerry County Council, is expected to take up to three years to complete.

Killarney Injury Unit

The HSE also confirmed plans for a Killarney Injury Unit at St. Columbanus, the current location of Killarney Community Hospital.

Once the new Killarney Community Nursing Unit at the old St. Finan's Hospital site is finished, residents and staff will transfer, allowing development of the Injury Unit to proceed.
"We hope to have this much-needed facility ready within a short time frame," the official said, indicating a matter of months.

Killarney Community Nursing Unit

The Killarney Community Nursing Unit project, part of a Public Private Partnership (PPP), is facing delays.

The HSE is working with the contractor to confirm a revised completion date. "The initial project timeline had projected that commissioning of the building could begin in Q1 2025, but as construction is still underway this timeline has been revised," the official explained.

While an exact timeframe for the move remains uncertain, the HSE aims to relocate residents to the new 130-bed unit as soon as possible this year. A more detailed timeline will be shared once the building is ready for registration with HIQA.

Lands at the Former St. Finan's Campus

"The former Saint Finan’s is currently being reviewed by the Land Development Agency as to its potential future use," the official added.

Councillor Queries

At Wednesday's Killarney Municipal District meeting, Cllr John O'Donoghue inquired about the location of the proposed minor injuries clinic, reiterating his belief that it should be located at the soon-to-be-vacated District Hospital.

Cllr Maura Healy-Rae requested a meeting with the HSE to discuss concerns regarding various HSE properties in the district, including St. Finan's, the District Hospital, and St. Columbanus Home.