The HSE is looking for a new site for a 60 bed unit for residential care for older people in Cashel. The Seanad heard today that the HSE deems the currently available site at St Patrick’s hospital is unsuitable due to a lack of car parking space and access to the building.
Senator Garret Ahearn had tabled the matter for discussion as the planning application was to be submitted in 2019.
The Government response explained that the pandemic delayed work on the project.
The HSE is currently reviewing a potential site in the town and expects that this work will be completed by June 2023.
In the meantime, services at St Patrick’s will continue as at present with an expanding level of service for the Children’s Disability Network and other community health services.
The Seanad also heard that work on a 50 bed residential unit in Clonmel is under construction at present and is due to be completed by the end of 2024.
The Cashel project will have to progress through a number of stages to comply with the Public Spending Code which means that no potential timeline for construction to begin can be provided at present.
Senator Ahearn welcomed the stated commitment of Health Ministers Stephen Donnelly and Mary Butler to providing a unit in Cashel but says the community in Cashel are hugely frustrated by the lack of information and the delays.
The Senator is now seeking a meeting to include Cashel Councillor Declan Burgess and Minister of State with Responsibility for Older People Mary Butler and also asks for improved communication between the Department of Health and local councillors.
