Mark Wall (Labour) | Oireachtas source

It is always important to start with the proud history of St. Vincent’s Hospital in Athy. It can be traced back to the opening of the Athy workhouse on 9 January 1844. This came just in time to relieve some of the hardships and effects of the Famine in and around the area of south Kildare. The next big event was the arrival of the Sisters of Mercy in 1873 and in 1898 it became a county home.

As I have said here before, St. Vincent's Hospital, Athy has a proud history in the care of older persons that is unrivalled among hospitals. The staff of well over 100 have a reputation for a level of care such that there is always a waiting list of families hoping to get a bed for their loved one. Not a week passes where some family or individual will not tell me of the level of care and attention their loved one is receiving or has received in St. Vincent’s Hospital. It attracts people from all over Kildare and neighbouring counties. So many people hold St. Vincent’s in high regard and it is a source of pride to the people of Athy that the hospital is located in the town.

In early 2019, we received confirmation from the HSE that a design team had been appointed for the new hospital and that the HSE was working towards a stage 2 scheme design. The reply confirmed that planning permission would be sought in 2019. At the time, it was said that the new addition would provide St. Vincent’s hospital with the modern facilities that mark a 21st century healthcare system at a cost of approximately €9.3 million. Following the continuous raising of this matter by myself and all public representatives in Kildare South, planning permission was submitted on 4 August 2022. Thankfully, it was granted by Kildare County Council on 2 August 2023.

St. Vincent’s Hospital has stood on the site since 1844. Today it is a model of care with the best staff and management that any family could hope for to look after their loved ones. I hope the Minister of State will confirm the new facility will proceed and despite the delays over recent years, this much-needed hospital for older population of our county will be put back on track and delivered in the quickest possible time. We all know our population is getting older. The outstanding services in St. Vincent’s are needed. I sincerely hope the HSE and the Government recognise that and invest in this great facility which I hope will provide care to those who need it most for the next 175 years.

The people of Athy and Kildare simply want to know that this new hospital will be delivered; they want to know when and how quickly this can be done.