HSE rules out taking responsibility for public walkway at local nursing home

Concerns have been raised ahead of the HSE’s imminent acquisition of a Roscrea nursing home, after a representative said it cannot take responsibility for a public walkway on the site - despite local calls for it to do so.

The comments came in response to a question from Tipperary councillor JP O’Meara at a meeting of the Regional Health Forum Mid West, where he asked if the HSE would “be willing to formally support the proposed project led by Roscrea Tidy Towns to connect Dean Maxwell Community Nursing Unit and Mount Carmel Nursing Home.”

He said it is “a scheme aimed at improving access through resurfacing, fencing and new lighting.” Cllr O’Meara added that he would like a meeting with the HSE to “get the project over the line.”

In a written reply, Joe Hoare, Assistant National Director, HSE Capital and Estates Mid West, said: “The HSE is in the final stages of concluding the acquisition of Mount Carmel Nursing Home in Roscrea.”

“We are aware that unauthorised works were recently carried out by a third party on the grounds of the property, including the removal of fencing along the stream. We understand the owners have investigated the matter and got reassurance that remedial works will be carried out to replace the fencing over the coming weeks.”

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He explained that “the Mount Carmel property does not connect directly with Dean Maxwell Community Nursing Unit, with lands owned by both the Church and the local authority between both properties.”

“Our understanding is that there is a desire for a public realm initiative to develop a walkway for the town, including along lands which are part of the Mount Carmel Nursing Home property.”

Mr Hoare said that this “matter is not straightforward”, adding that it would be “premature to give any commitment at this stage.”

He said the HSE “would be willing” to engage with the local authority to understand “what is being proposed” and to “explore whether there is a mechanism”, and if so, “what would be required.”

“From a funding perspective, HSE Capital funding is prioritised for healthcare investment and would not be available for such public realm works.”

“The HSE will need to take on board operational requirements, property risk considerations and internal property transaction approval requirements,” he concluded.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr Hoare said the HSE has not yet seen the scope of works or plans for the project and noted that it “cannot take on responsibility for a public walkway”, in part due to liability and insurance concerns.

He explained that the “starting point” in considering support for the project is establishing “does it support HSE guidelines?”

He added that the HSE would be “happy” to engage with the local authority on the matter, suggesting that a potential solution could involve a “land transfer” to the local authority.

Mr Hoare said the HSE is “open to work with the local authority” on the project, but reiterated that it cannot assume responsibility for a public walkway.