Planning is to be lodged for a €25m community hospital in Ennis later this year.
The site is to be located on grounds adjacent to St Flannan’s College in Ennis. In early 2016, a Capital Programme for Older Persons Residential Centres was developed and agreed with the Department of Health in response to the introduction of HIQA’s, National Residential Care Standards for Older People.
5.09 acres of land have been secured by the HSE at Turnpike junction for the new 100 bed community nursing unit, Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly (FF) stated. The project is included for funding in the HSE Capital Programme for 20021 with a design team procured, they have already began an outline design of the project.
He added, “The contract for the purchase of the lands, which is subject to obtaining planning permission, will see a new 100-bed HIQA compliant Community Nursing Unit for long stay and short stay residents developed on this green field site within walking distance of all community services and the town centre. The unit will include 88-single and 4-twin rooms, and 4-palliative care facilities”.
A timeline for delivery was not outlined by the Minister. “It is important to recognise that the delivery of capital projects is a dynamic process and is subject to the successful completion of the various approval stages, in line with the Public Spending Code, which can impact on the timeline for delivery”.
Clare TD, Joe Carey (FG) confirmed the application will be made later this year. “It is important to have got clarity with regards to when planning will be lodged. The fact that funding has been allocated is important but I am delighted to hear that the design team have been appointed and are working on this important project”.
