Connect with us

News

Industrial action looming over Deer Lodge in Killarney

Published

on

S

SIPTU has called on the Minister for Health to immediately investigate why two newly built, state-of-the-art buildings in the Kerry Mental Health Services area have been lying idle for the past two years.

These include the forty-bed purpose-built Deer Lodge in Killarney and a four-bed intensive care unit for mental health in Kerry University Hospital.

Deer Lodge will accommodate those presently resident in the O’Connor unit at the rear of St Finan’s Hospital as well as providing 10 beds for rehabilitation purposes. “The HSE has committed millions of euro to providing these buildings, which are necessary to deliver a progressive and modern mental health service in Kerry,” said Donie Doody, Killarney, branch organiser, SIPTU.

“However the HSE is undermining its own positive work by continuing to delay the opening of these buildings and allowing patients to remain in old dilapidated buildings which are no longer fit for purpose.”

In addition, hundreds of thousands of euro has been spent preparing residents in Cluain Fionnain, an intellectual disability unit in Killarney, for transfer into residences in the community, added Mr Doody. “This process has been ongoing for over two years with very little results to show. A number of outside agencies have been involved in the process and have cost the taxpayer needless sums of money with very little return,” said the SIPTU branch manager.

All staff presently employed by the HSE in Cluain Fionnain should be deployed back into the mental health services, according to SIPTU. “Nurses presently employed in Cluain Fhionnain are mental health nurses and are anxious to return to the mental health services,” said Mr Doody.

SIPTU has issued a deadline of May 31, 2017, by which time it wants its members re-deployed. “The HSE has already been afforded ample opportunity to complete this process,” said Mr Doody.

“It is our plan that the re-deployed nurses be used to staff the two new buildings currently lying idle. In the long-term this will save the HSE thousands of euro, provide an enhanced service to the people of Kerry and better facilities to service users accommodated in the new buildings. In the event that our deadline of May 31, 2017, is not honoured by the HSE, SIPTU has no option but to ballot its members for industrial action.

“The people of Kerry and the services users deserve better treatment than this. It is appalling that the facilities we have waited so long for, now built, lie idle and still outside the grasp of those who need them most.”
 


 
Above: Deer Lodge, Killarney.

Advertisement

News

Donal Cremin retires from Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra

Published

on

Donal Cremin retires from Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra


Staff at Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra in Rathmore gathered in late May to mark the retirement of long-serving teacher and former ASTI President Donal Cremin at a function held in the Brehon Hotel.


Donal had been a member of the teaching staff since the school opened in 1998, working initially as a metalwork and technical graphics teacher before transitioning into his role as a school guidance counsellor. His career in education spans several decades, including 15 years at Scoil Mhuire gan Smál in Blarney. Prior to entering teaching, he worked as a senior craftsman at the Sugar Factory in Mallow.
Throughout his career, Donal was a prominent advocate for workers’ rights within the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI). He held multiple positions within the union, including school steward, Board of Management representative, and regional representative. In 2023, he became the first Kerry person to be elected as President of the ASTI.
Outside of his professional life, Donal has been a long-standing volunteer within the credit union movement, serving in various local and national capacities over several decades.
The retirement event was widely attended by past and present colleagues. Donal was joined at the celebration by his wife Maureen and their children, Aidan, Maria, and

Attachments

Continue Reading

News

Four Esquires Productions’ ambitions for a full-length feature film in Kerry

Published

on


Amateur drama group Four Esquires Productions has announced ambitions to record a full-length feature film, with the ultimate goal of shooting the project entirely in Kerry using a local cast and crew.


The group has been working on various side projects, including short films, and has successfully pitched a potential feature film script.
Before embarking on the film project, the group will return to the stage for a three-night summer run at Courtney’s Bar on College Street from Monday, June 22 to Wednesday, June 24.
The upcoming production features four new short comic plays focused on dark humour and off-beat reflections on human behaviour.
Tickets for the performances are available via Eventbrite, and the group has also launched a new Instagram page to provide updates on both the live shows and their film ambitions.
“The summer is here that means two things. Warm rain and Four Esquires Productions have four new theatrical plays at Courtneys,” said spokesperson Brian Bowler. “The group have been busy on side projects including short films and successfully pitching a potential feature film. The end goal is to have it shot in Kerry utilising Kerry cast and crew. But before they do that we are back with new material and performers. We encourage all to get tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. Audiences can expect off beat reflections on human behaviour.”

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport