Tuesday 25 November 2008

New medical centre proposed for Killarney appeal

LOCAL doctors behind a new medical centre proposed for Killarney are appealing against a demand for almost €2 million in development levies.

Killarney Town Council wants GPs to cough up €1.5 million and €400,000 for two new roundabouts which lead to the medical centre in the grounds of St Finan’s Hospital.

But the GPs argue the levies are excessive and have lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála.

They are also appealing against the council’s decision not to allow a pharmacy and retail outlets for health food and medical aid and equipment in the facility, described as a primary care centre.

Several Killarney GP practices, in conjunction with the Health Service Executive (HSE), aim to develop the one-stop-shop, health facility on the site.

It would include services for hospital outpatients, an x-ray service, a base for GP surgeries and a primary care team.

Meanwhile, a group in Kenmare which has, for 30 years, been seeking an extension to the local community hospital have attacked an HSE plan to build a new hospital instead.

The HSE’s preferred option is to go ahead with a new hospital on the existing site as part of its 2009 to 2013 plans.

According to the HSE, its decision is based on architectural advice that a new hospital was the best option.

However, a spokesperson for the Friends of Kenmare Hospital claimed this was a delaying tactic.

She said all they were campaigning for was a 14-bed extension to the existing hospital and had never sought a new hospital.

The group plans to hold a public meeting, in Kenmare, on the issue, next month.

Irish Examiner

www.buckplanning.ie

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