HIQA registration delays opening of new hospital

Confusion surrounds the opening date of the new 130-bed Killarney Community Nursing Unit, with a Dáil debate revealing that a previous end-of-June opening target is now dependent on resolving outstanding registration issues with the health watchdog, HIQA.

Speaking in the Dáil this week, Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae criticised the ongoing delays, stating that Kerry TDs were assured by local HSE management on May 29 that the facility would open before the end of June. However, county councillors at a HSE SouthWest Forum were informed a week later that this target would not be met.
“Who is calling the shots? Is it the HSE at national level? Is it the Minister?” Deputy Healy-Rae asked. “The lights have been on in the building since before Christmas and it was cleared to go. We are begging for this on our knees.”
He highlighted that the delay impacts 30 planned dementia-specific beds, as well as broader plans for a minor injuries unit and a primary care centre at the St Columbanus’s site.
Responding on behalf of the government, Deputy Jennifer Murnane O’Connor maintained that the HSE still expects the unit to open before the end of June, but confirmed the timeline depends entirely on HIQA registration.
“The HSE is engaging with HIQA regarding a small number of outstanding issues,” she said. “Once HIQA registration is granted, the HSE will set a date and move forward with the transfer of residents.”
Deputy Healy-Rae countered that the response was identical to information provided by the government a month ago. He questioned why staffing agreements and HIQA certifications were not finalised sooner, given the building was structurally completed last December.

INMO serves notice of industrial action

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has served notice of industrial action on HSE South West over proposed staffing levels at the new facility.
The union stated that its members are deeply dissatisfied with the proposed rosters, which they claim fall short of the staffing required to deliver safe care on day and night duties.
INMO Industrial Relations Executive Kathryn Courtney said there is a significant staffing gap compared to similar facilities, leaving members with no choice but to take action.

Colm Cooper launches nationwide GAA competition

GAA clubs across the country have been given the opportunity to win a training session with Dr Crokes and Kerry football legend Colm “Gooch” Cooper as part of a new nationwide competition.

The “Train Like A Legend, Support Your Club” initiative was launched to mark the 40th anniversary of Solgar in Ireland. Solgar, a provider of nutritional supplements, is the official vitamin partner of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and the Gaelic Players Association (GPA).
The winning club will secure a training session led by the former Kerry forward, alongside €5,000 worth of funding to be used for sports kit or club facility refurbishments.
The competition aims to provide amateur clubs with access to high-level coaching insights while delivering financial support for local infrastructure upgrades. Entries are open to all GAA clubs nationwide, offering local panels an opportunity to secure vital funding and resources for their grounds.