Latest news with #MarieMoloney
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Health
- Irish Examiner
HSE 'fully committed' to developing primary care centre on council-owned car park in Killarney
The HSE has said it is 'fully committed' to developing a controversial primary care centre on a council-owned car park in Killarney, despite the fact it owns 14 vacant properties in key locations across Kerry. The provision of a primary care facility on the grounds of Áras Phádraig, a council-owned site donated by the Franscicsan Friars, is part of a joint venture between the HSE and Kerry County Council. The plan was given the go ahead by councillors at a meeting of the Killarney Municipal District in April when they were told the €21m project, which includes a theatre, would not get funding approval without the HSE primary care facility. However, the project will have to be voted on again after a number of submissions from the public were omitted. Kerry County Council has apologised for the mistake, re advertised, and the matter is expected to come before the municipal district later this summer. However, existing traffic congestion on the Lewis Rd, the small size of the theatre (230 seats), its nearness to the health centre, the proposed height of the building, and the loss of parking spaces, means the project has sparked some opposition in the town. Questions have also been raised over the fact the HSE owns a number of sites and property in Killarney which are vacant or about to be vacated. St Finan's former psychiatric hospital overlooking Killarney has been empty since 2012. Labour councillor Marie Moloney told the regional health forum that: 'A lot of people believe it is the wrong place. The public don't understand why the HSE, with so much land, would need the site for a primary care centre.' In response, the HSE said it was 'fully committed' to the project. 'There has been a number of previous attempts to provide a primary care facility in Killarney, with little positive results on the same,' said Julie O'Neill, integrated healthcare manager Kerry, HSE South West. 'Both the HSE and Kerry County Council officials are of the opinion that the provision of the theatre and a primary care facility on the same site in an urban setting will be complementary to each development from a planning and sustainability view point,' she said in a written reply. Meanwhile, the full extent of the vacant property owned by the HSE in Kerry was released following a query by Sinn Féin councillor Deirdre Ferris. Some 14 HSE-owned properties are currently vacant, it has emerged. These include, town centre buildings in Tralee, at Pembroke St and Denny St; the old Dingle Hospital and Workhouse; the St Finan's hospital, land, and gate House in Killarney; health centres in Dingle, Kenmare, Ballinskelligs, Waterville, and Rathmore, as well as radio stations in Knocknagoshel in the north of the county and Clahane in the west. 'The HSE is currently working through the Land Development Agency and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP delivery and reform processes for the disposal of properties which are surplus to requirements,' Daniel Clifford, director of estates department, HSE South West, said in a written reply. They will be sold if there is no public use for them, the meeting was told. Read More Skellig Michael opening delayed again with tour guides unavailable
Irish Independent
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
No appetite in Kerry for World War II anniversary – ‘I'm not asking for a street party'
One of the most cataclysmic conflicts in the history of civilisation that resulted in the loss of millions of lives is set to spark widespread commemorations across Europe later this month, But not, it seems, in Kerry. Labour Party Councillor Marie Moloney was aghast that her motion asking what plans Kerry County Council (KCC) had to mark the milestone event at a recent full meeting when it drew a muted response from her elected colleagues. After Cllr Moloney read out an impassioned statement mentioning the over 80,000 people – north and south of the island – who joined the Allied forces in the fight against Nazi Germany between 1939 and 1945 in a conflict that resulted in the loss of millions of lives. Cllr Moloney said the 80th anniversary recognises the years of sacrifice during WWII and celebrations are an opportunity to honour the millions who fought and died and to preserve history while reflecting on the lessons of war. She insisted the loss of loved ones, 'horrific injuries and the hardship people experienced' merited some commemorative gesture in Kerry. Thousands of Irish people – men and women – also worked in the factories across Britain helping to sustain the Allied war effort. In reply, KCC said it is a matter for consideration by the members, and recommended it be referred to the Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht SPC for consideration. 'You have very little time given that May 8 is the official date. I cannot believe that no one within the council – officials or elected members – did even think of this,' she said. 'I'm not asking for a street party or anything like that. Something even as simple as laying a wreath. I think it's important that we mark it as we don't have time to be going to the SPC. I would ask the members to support my motion, please. Is nobody going to?' Cllr Moloney added. After an awkward few seconds, when it looked as though the motion would not be seconded, independent Councillor Charlie Farrelly stepped in. 'I second what is a well-worth motion. I'm glad to second it,' Cllr Farrelly said.
