Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 May 1996

Vol. 465 No. 1

Written Answers. - County Kerry Health Care Centres.

John O'Leary

Question:

84 Mr. O'Leary asked the Minister for Health when work will commence on the construction of the proposed new residential and day care centres, on a site across the bypass road from St. Finian's Hospital, Killarney, County Kerry; if full planning permission has been granted in this respect and all the necessary financial arrangements to pay for the project put in place with the Southern Health Board. [9308/96]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Mr. O'Shea)

The Southern Health Board is responsible for the provision of health services, including mental handicap services in its functional area.

The project referred to by the Deputy is a major undertaking by the board involving the development of purpose built residential accommodation and day care facilities on land owned by the board at Ballydribeen, Killarney, which will facilitate the transfer of 28 persons with mental handicap who are currently inappropriately accommodated in St. Finian's Hospital, Killarney and will also provide a number of assessment/respite beds for the catchment area.

I am informed by the board that planning permission for this development was refused by Killarney Urban District Council on the 18 May 1995. The decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanála on 16 June 1995 and following an oral hearing held by An Bord Pleanála on the 8 September 1995 planning approval was granted on 4 October 1995.

I understand that a number of difficulties subsequently arose with regard to fire certification but that following discussions and consultation with the Fire Authority, fire certification issued on 27 February, 1996. The project is now ready to proceed to tender stage and the board has received approval from my Department to proceed with the preparation of tender documents.

The capital costs of the project will be part funded by the health board through the proceeds of the sale of land and the balance will be met by way of capital grant from my Department.