Tipperary TDs Martin Browne and Mattie McGrath, alongside Regional Health Forum (South) member, Cllr Richie Molloy have questioned why Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler has only now chosen to confirm the parcel of land being considered as an alternative location for the Community Nursing Unit, given that as far back as February the HSE were reviewing options.
The local representatives raised the question in response to confirmation that a feasibility study is being carried out at Palmer’s Hill in Cashel.
Deputy Browne also questions if the HSE owned land at Palmer’s Hill is a realistic option given the narrow road leading to the site.
The three public representatives say they have real concerns about the commitment to deliver the unit in Cashel and again ask that the original site at St Patrick’s be used.
The Minister’s comments about “commercial sensitivity” in respect of the site is also queried by the local TD as given the HSE already own the property at Palmers Hill here is no issue of commercial sensitivity in revealing that this is the site under examination at present.
A planning application for a 60 bed ensuite Community Nursing Unit was to be submitted in respect of St Patrick’s Hospital in Cashel in 2019. Last month the HSE revealed that it now considers the site at St Patrick’s to be too small and is now seeking to identify a suitable location in Cashel beginning with land it owns at Palmer’s Hill.
