Tipperary TD reveals HSE considering buying land for town's Community Nursing Unit

Tipperary Sinn Fein TD Martin Browne has been informed that the HSE is looking to purchase land in the Palmers Hill area of Cashel, where it is considering locating the long-awaited Community Nursing Unit.

“In response to my requests for information regarding the progress made in assessing the suitability of sites in Cashel for the development of the long-awaited Community Nursing Unit, I have been told that the HSE is now in discussions around the purchase of additional land in the Palmers Hill area.

“Last year, Minister Butler confirmed to me that a site at Palmers Hill was being considered as an alternative site for the CNU.

“However, concerns were expressed about accessibility to the site.

“The use of land at St Patrick’s was suggested to them, but they continue to consider that land insufficient for the planned 60-bed facility.

“I have now been told that further to a review of the Palmers Hill site, HSE Capital and Estates are in discussions around the purchase of an additional property in the Palmers Hill area, which they added, would allow greater access for the Community Nursing Unit.

“This would, it appears, be in addition to the land they already own.

“However, they did not identify the particular parcel of land they are considering for purchase, which is something I have now asked for further detail on.

“Further to this, the HSE have said that a decision on this matter is expected to be made in Q1 2024.

“I am now asking the HSE for more engagement on their plans, as I believe there should be more public input to the eventual, preferred option," said Deputy Browne.