Tipperary councillor raises more concerns regarding HSE staff and new community nursing unit

Tipperary councillor Declan Burgess has again raised the urgent need for progress on the delivery of the new 60-bed Cashel Community Nursing Unit, stressing that the future of both staff and patients must remain at the centre of decision-making.

“The staff of St Patrick’s and Our Lady’s Hospitals are deeply committed to their patients and their work. They are understandably concerned about their future, and I want to be absolutely clear that their place is in Cashel. The HSE and Government must give a firm commitment that staff will be retained locally, not displaced elsewhere,” Burgess said.

The HSE has confirmed that the feasibility study for the St Patrick’s Hospital site highlighted significant challenges, including the need to demolish existing buildings to make space for the new facility. While there is strong community support for St Patrick’s as the preferred site, these complications mean the most likely path forward will be a purpose-built CNU on the Our Lady’s Hospital campus. This option offers more space and long-term viability for a modern healthcare facility that can meet Cashel’s needs for decades to come.

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Burgess warned against turning the issue into a “political football,” saying: “I am deeply disappointed with comments made by some individuals with political motives.

"This is an emotive issue, and the people of Cashel deserve solutions, not political point-scoring. I will continue to be proactive in seeking progress on this vital project.”

He also welcomed confirmation that the Cashel 60-bed CNU remains on the national HSE Capital Plan, but insisted that decisive action is now needed: “Our community cannot afford any further delays.

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"This is going on too long. We need certainty, a clear site selection, and a timeline for delivery. I will hold decision-makers to account until this project is advanced to design and planning without delay.”

Cllr. Burgess concluded: “We have a growing older population in South Tipperary who need access to high-quality care close to home.

"Whether on the St Patrick’s or Our Lady’s campus, what matters most is that this state-of-the-art Community Nursing Unit is delivered in Cashel as soon as possible. I remain fully committed to ensuring that happens.”