Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Seanad Éireann — 2026-05-19
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Kieran O'Donnell (FG), Limerick City

Once again, I thank Senator Kennelly for raising this very important matter of the opening of the new CNU in Killarney. As I stated, the matter is currently with HIQA for registration. Once that comes through, the HSE will be able to open the new unit and transfer the existing 101 residents from St. Columbanus and the district hospital in Killarney to it. Recruitment of the additional staff continues. I want to see the full complement of the 29 additional beds opened as quickly as possible.
In terms of the question that the Senator raised about the facility, it is fully furnished. It has been fully equipped and is clearly ready for occupation. That would normally fall to be done in the normal way under the terms of the HIQA registration process, which is reassuring. The main target for me is that the HIQA registration comes through. That is an independent process, but everyone is working to ensure that it happens as quickly as possible. The application is in. Once the HIQA registration comes through, the existing staff and the 101 residents will move to their new home. It is their new home.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-05-19/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:57+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-05-19