The HSE says it remains committed to providing a new 60-bed Community Nursing Unit (CNU) for Cashel – the unit is long overdue as it was to be submitted for planning in 2019 which is yet to happen.
The HSE issued a statement to Tipp Mid West Radio today confirming that it has engaged an architectural consultancy firm to progress the option of developing the CNU on its own land at Palmers Hill, Cashel. In addition, the HSE says talks have been held with the council about issues such as access of the site, topographical surveys, possible requirement to purchase some additional land in its vicinity and the current zoning of the location.
The site at Palmers Hill is the HSE’s preferred site for the new facility which was originally to be built in St Patrick’s Hospital Complex . A final HSE decision about using Palmers Hill will only be made upon the completion of the local authority’s determination as to its zoning. The issue of clarifying zoning may be delayed until late next year as is dependent on the commencement of new planning legislation passed last year, which could delay a new Cashel Local Area Plan until late 2026 or early 2027. The HSE says it will examine other sites in the Cashel locality, as part of an overall option appraisal for the CNU project.
At present it is the HSE’s intention that 40 residents in Our Lady’s Hospital would be moved into the new facility when it is built. Long term residential care resumed at Our Lady’s in early 2020 when residents were moved from St Patricks for improved infection control purposes during the pandemic leading many local people including most recently Cllr Liam Browne to favour the idea of expanding Our Lady’s to accommodate all 60 spaces.
