03-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Kerry site which could undergo contentious development was ‘not gifted to the people of Killarney'
Labour Party councillor Marie Moloney said the KCC director of finance, Angela McAllen, confirmed that the local authority bought Áras Phádraig at market value and owns the property.
Cllr Moloney asked KCC to clarify that the Lewis Road property had not been donated by the Franciscans, who previously announced their intention to gift it to the public but could not complete this legally.
'I'm asking ye to make a public statement that the land belongs to KCC and was not gifted to the people of Killarney. It's a very important issue,' Cllr Moloney said.
The representative said posts in circulation on social media state that Áras Phádraig was donated to the people of Killarney.
Cllr Moloney said Ms McAllen also told her that the HSE has confirmed that it will build a primary care centre at the site within three years.
She said that Killarney's councillors are being 'absolutely slaughtered' on social media over the inclusion of the care centre in the proposed redevelopment of Áras Phádraig, which went out to public consultation earlier this year.
The development would see the existing Áras Phádraig building demolished, and the construction of a three-storey theatre and community building, a six-storey primary care centre, a public plaza and a revised entrance to Lewis Road car park.
Killarney councillors are due to examine submissions from the public before voting to approve or disapprove the redevelopment project.
Cllr Moloney indicated that the upcoming decision has been made difficult for councillors.
'It really is coming back on to us,' she said.
'What do we do? Vote no and our theatre is gone. Do we vote yes and there is a primary care centre there?
'Some people do want it, they are not vocal but they do want it. Others are absolutely adamant that it shouldn't be there.'
The Labour Party representative spoke during a discussion prompted by a motion tabled by Independent councillor Maura Healy-Rae.
The motion asked KCC to provide clarity as to why the HSE's plans for a primary care centre formed part of the Áras Phádraig redevelopment project.
The KCC response stated that the preliminary business care approved by the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund for the Áras Phádraig Development confirmed that the project 'is highly worthwhile from an Exchequer cashflow perspective and from a wider socio-economic perspective, when a Primary Care Centre is included'.
'If the PCC is removed, the analysis indicates that there would be negative socio-economic Net Present Values for the project,' the response said.
Cllr Healy-Rae said it is councillors' understanding that millions in funding will be jeopardised if they do not approve the inclusion of the primary care centre in the Áras Phádraig redevelopment.
She said locals do not understand why the healthcare facility is part of the redevelopment project when the HSE owns property elsewhere in the district.
Cllr Healy-Rae asked for clarity to be provided to the public on this matter.
Killarney Cathaoirleach, councillor Martin Grady, said the development of the centre would result in the loss of almost 60 parking spaces.
'Parking and traffic are two of our biggest issues inside in this town. I just fear that if this clinic goes ahead, it's going to worsen that,' Cllr Grady said.
Independent councillor Brendan Cronin said the development of the centre would lead to further congestion on Lewis Road, and said he could not understand why a healthcare facility needed to be located near a theatre.
He said senior HSE officials have not met with local representatives in relation to the development of the centre.
'Why? Because they believe we will give it the oul' stamp,' he said.
Cllr Cronin demanded a meeting with HSE officials who can explain why the care centre must be developed at Áras Phádraig rather than elsewhere.
Kerry Independent Alliance councillor John O'Donoghue said he felt elected members were being taken for granted by the HSE.
'There is a perception that it is going to be signed, sealed and delivered by a certain date, which may not be the case,' he said.
Cllr O'Donoghue said the chief executive of KCC has sought to meet with the head of the HSE but has still not been granted the meeting.
The councillor asked who decided to make the primary care centre a part of the redevelopment of Áras Phádraig.
'We've never been told that,' he said.
Councillors agreed to hold a special meeting to discuss the Áras Phádraig redevelopment on July 25, on condition that the HSE meet with them beforehand.
A KCC official said council management had met with the HSE and requested that a meeting take place with councillors.
