REACTION: Anger over delay for much-needed community nursing unit in busy Tipperary town
'All that we can be certain of in relation to a community nursing unit in Cashel is that it continues to be beset with delays and ongoing associated costs.'
Tipperary Sinn Féin TD Martin Browne has been told of further delays and rising costs in the consideration of the Palmershill site for Cashel’s Community Nursing Unit, with no guarantee that this will be the last site to be considered.
Deputy Browne was speaking after requesting an update on any progress made in plans to develop a CNU in Cashel.
Deputy Browne said: “All that we can be certain of in relation to a community nursing unit in Cashel is that it continues to be beset with delays and ongoing associated costs.
“Following my latest enquiries, I have been told that we will have to wait until the end of the year to learn as to whether the land the HSE is considering at Palmers Hill will be purchased or not.
“The HSE has been engaging with Tipperary County Council on a number of factors, including access to the site, and the possible purchase of additional land in its vicinity, as well as the current zoning of the location.
“As a result, the HSE intends to make a submission as part of the upcoming review of the Local Authority’s development plan for Cashel later this year. This means that a decision on the purchase of the property will not be made until after that process is concluded.
“In addition to the continued delay in the process, I am also concerned that rather than putting its efforts and finances into developing a unit in the centre of Cashel, the HSE is instead putting its money into its the Palmershill option.
“Most recently the HSE have engaged an architectural consultancy firm to “progress the option” of developing on this site, while the HSE has acknowledged that it may need to purchase additional land at Palmershill.
“Current and projected costs are rising. Yet this is not all. The HSE have also told me that they are also examining other sites in the Cashel locality.
“So, despite the delays and the financial costs involved in the HSE’s decision not to locate the CNU in the centre of Cashel, it is now far from certain that the money spent and the time wasted on Palmershill will actually result in anything, and we could be forced to witness the same process happening at another site elsewhere.
“I have always been sceptical of the HSE’s preference for Palmershill, and I have always favoured being resourceful in using the sites that were previously suggested in Cashel town centre.
“My view on this has not changed given the latest update from the HSE.”
THE REPLY FROM THE HSE TO DEPUTY BROWNE
Dear Deputy Browne
I refer to your recent correspondence (CEO REF 10868) in relation to the Community Nursing Unit, St Patrick’s Hospital, Cashel, Co. Tipperary.
I have reviewed the matter and the following is the current position.
It should be noted there continues to be a priority requirement to deliver a replacement 60-bed unit in Cashel. This is to ensure that the best model of service provision can be delivered to the population of Cashel and meet regulatory compliance and best practice.
As the Deputy is aware, the HSE own lands located at Palmers Hill and it engaged an architectural consultancy firm to progress the option of developing the new Community Nursing Unit (CNU) for Older Persons on the site.
A process of discussions with the local authority has followed, including considerations relating to access of the site, and the possible requirement for some additional land in its vicinity and the current zoning of the location.
It is the intention of the HSE to make a submission as part of the upcoming review of the Local Authority's development plan for Cashel, later this year.
As a result, a decision on the purchase of this property will not be made until after that process is concluded. The proposed site at Palmers Hill is in the ownership of the HSE and is its preference for the development of this facility.
The HSE is also examining other sites in the Cashel locality, as part of an overall option appraisal for the project. A decision on the location of the new CNU is expected to be made by the end of the year.
The HSE remains committed to the development of a new 60-bed Community Nursing Unit for Older Persons in Cashel as part of the HSE's Capital Plan.
I trust this information is of assistance to you.
Should you have any further queries please do not hesitate Tontact me.
Yours sincerely,
Mary Prendergast
pp Ciarán Ruane
Estates Manager
HSE Capital & Estates Department