Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I refer to the former St. Finan's Hospital in Killarney, a well built stone building which stands on 30 acres of land on the northside of the town which border both sides of the bypass. It is a listed building, for which plans for its future use need to be formulated. We are all aware of what happened this week to a similar building, the former Our Lady's Hospital in Shanakiel. Much of it was burnt to the ground. At one time there were 800 patients and 800 staff at St. Finan's Hospital. Years ago the building and lands were owned and managed by Kerry County Council, but they were then transferred into the ownership of the HSE. On behalf of many interests in Killarney and surrounding areas, I raised the issue of the future plans for the building and lands at forum meetings of HSE south. It is important that they are not sold to private interests. The Government and the Minister for Health need to work together to formulate a plan for what is to be done with this valuable property. I sincerely hope it is insured and that there is security in place 24/7.

Killarney is to shortly have a new community hospital which is expected to be built on part of the lands surrounding the former hospital. I am asking the HSE to liaise with Kerry County Council on the proposed use of the remaining land. As all Members are aware, we are experiencing a shortage of housing and many houses could be built on these lands. Also, part of the grounds could and should be used to provide a safer route from the town onto the bypass. There have been many accidents at the Lewis Road junction and further accidents could be avoided if another access road to the bypass was provided. The former hospital building could be adapted to provide social housing apartments or offices or for amenity use and made available to local voluntary sports clubs and other groups. As parts of the roof are leaking, the building will soon be derelict. As it is situated adjacent to the Fitzgerald Stadium, it would be shame if it were allowed to fall into dereliction. If the property was owned by private interests, it would not be left unused, as it is very valuable. It was suggested previously that the land could be used as a graveyard or a car park. As there are many uses to which it could be put, it should not be left idle. As I said, if the property was in private ownership, it would be developed and used.

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