Coghlan welcomes opening of new Kenmare community hospital

Fine Gael Kerry Senator and Seanad Chief Whip, Paul Coghlan has welcomed confirmation from the HSE that it is now in possession of the new community hospital in Kenmare. Senator Coghlan made his comments yesterday (Wednesday) during Order of Business in the Seanad.

  “I am delighted that this new 40-bed facility in Kenmare will replace the old, out-dated facility in the town. This follows a lengthy campaign that stretches back several decades, and I would like to pay particular thanks to former local councillor, Michael Connor-Scarteen, and his son, for their commitment over all the years to securing the facility.

“The new facility was registered with HIQA last week, and I understand that patients have been transferred from the old facility to their new state-of-the art surroundings. The HSE has also confirmed that the remaining phases of the development, including some site works, are ongoing.

“This Government is committed to providing care to people where they need it, in the community. As well as residential care beds, the new €8 million hospital will provide a mental health day care centre and a new ambulance base for the local catchment area.

“The opening of this new hospital has been a long time coming for the people of Kenmare. I am sure families right across the community will benefit from the care provided at the facility.

“There are many politicians in Kerry grandstanding in this regard but I do not intend to engage in any of that, although I spoke of the need for it many years ago.   I would like to compliment the Minister for Health, James Reilly TD, for giving the go-ahead to the project after a long number of years.   I would also like to thank the councillors and all the people of Kenmare. This is a wonderful new facility and I look forward to its official opening.”

ENDS