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Plans revealed for St Finan’s future

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By Anne Lucey

 

The HSE has this week revealed its plans for the future of St Finan’s Hospital – saying they are to transfer 5.77 acres to Kerry County Council for social housing.

It was also revealed that a new community nursing unit is also in the pipeline, as the HSE plans to lodge a planning application shortly.

A third level outreach college is also very likely to be part of the new plans as well - though exactly for what discipline has not been made clear.

There were mounting concerns about the future of the landmark Victorian listed building which overlooks Killarney town since it became vacant in 2012 - including from Cllr Michael Gleeson who slammed the lack of progress at a Council meeting last week – saying the building is in serious danger of becoming derelict.

The Council and the IT Tralee have now approached the HSE together through the interstate transfer of property process and have, it seems, been offered at least part of the building and some of the lands.

“Kerry Council have confirmed that they wish to acquire 5.77 acres to the north of the Ring Road at Ballydribeen and the disposal of this element is being progressed with Kerry Council,” the HSE said in a statement this week.

“The Council was engaged with Irish Rail regarding improving access to the site. The HSE will retain part of the main campus at St Finan’s to facilitate the development of a community nursing unit. This is currently being developed as part of a National Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative and a planning application for this proposed development will shortly be submitted to Kerry County Council.”

While the HSE has not said what the IT Tralee plans are, it confirmed the IT Tralee had expressed an interest and it has been offered what remains of the property, excluding the social housing and nursing unit elements.

“The Institute of Technology Tralee, in conjunction with Kerry County Council, have expressed an interest in acquiring the remaining property at St Finan’s via the interstate transfer of state property process. The HSE has recently written to IT Tralee/KCC and is currently awaiting final confirmation of their continued interest in acquiring the remaining property,” the HSE said.

The annual preventive maintenance costs for the vacant building and site at St Finan’s site amount to  €17,000 per year.

 

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HeartBeat to host Advanced Healthcare Directive information night

Anne O’Shea Clarke, Regional Manager of SAGE Advocacy Mid & South West Regions, will provide a comprehensive explanation of the process involved in properly creating an Advanced Healthcare Directive (AHD) […]

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Anne O’Shea Clarke, Regional Manager of SAGE Advocacy Mid & South West Regions, will provide a comprehensive explanation of the process involved in properly creating an Advanced Healthcare Directive (AHD) on Tuesday, April 29, starting at 8pm in the Parish Centre, Park Road.

An ADH is a document which sets out your instructions in relation to healthcare treatments in the future, when you no longer have the capacity to decide. AHDs are not solely relevant to older individuals. Young adults can also significantly benefit from putting these directives in place for themselves or when assisting loved ones. Attendees will gain valuable ‘Knowledge is Power; regarding legal and personal matters
The meeting will specifically look at two key application forms: the standard AHD Form and the Think Ahead / my form.
Prior to the main meeting, a Blood Pressure. and Pulse Clinic will be available from 7:15pm until 8:00pm sharp. Following O’Shea Clarke’s presentation, there will be a Question & Answer session, followed by tea and coffee.
SAGE Advocacy, the national service for older people, works to ensure access to information, support, and independent advocacy, while also providing safeguarding services across various settings, including homes, day centres, hospitals, and nursing homes.
They also support vulnerable adults and healthcare patients in situations where other services may not be available.
For further information, email anne.osheaclarke@sageadvocacy.ie or visit www.sageadvocacy.ie.

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Singer-songwriter Lillie Foley releases second single

Local singer-songwriter Lillie Foley, from Whitebridge Manor, has released her second single of 2025, titled ‘That’s Life’, on all major streaming platforms. ‘That’s Life’ is described as a powerful blend […]

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Local singer-songwriter Lillie Foley, from Whitebridge Manor, has released her second single of 2025, titled ‘That’s Life’, on all major streaming platforms.

‘That’s Life’ is described as a powerful blend of pop and soul music, drawing on Foley’s own life experiences. The track marks a further step in the promising career of the emerging local artist.
Recorded at the renowned Windmill Lane Recording Studios in Dublin, ‘That’s Life’ showcases Foley’s emotive lyrics, soulful vocals, and a sound that is both modern and deeply personal. Collaborating with music producer and audio engineer Hermann Ogulla, Foley has crafted a song that blends her Irish background with contemporary musical styles, aiming to resonate with listeners in Ireland,and beyond.
Foley said: “This is a song about resilience and accepting that bad things happen in life and we just have to get on with it and move on as best we can.”
‘That’s Life’ is the second of several songs Foley has planned for release in 2025.

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