Talks on future of ‘deteriorating’ St Senan’s under way

THE County Council is taking part in talks about the future use of the landmark and semi-derelict St Senan’s Hospital.

Council chief executive Tom Enright said the local authority is currently actively pursuing a future use for St Senan’s which would involve its restoration and occupation.

‘St Senan’s hospital is a unique building, designed and built for a particular function. However, its very large size and status as a protected structure listed on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage presents difficulties in identifying a suitable use and increases the cost of refurbishment.

‘I am hopeful that the on-going discussions will bear fruit and result in the building being restored and brought back to life in the near future,’ he said.

Ian Lumley from An Taisce said the organisation have been raising concerns ‘about the unresolved future of this landmark building for some time.’

‘ The most recent information is that the HSE intends to put it on the market., but there is no time frame for this. In the meantime serious deterioration is continuing,’ Mr Lumley told this newspaper.

Last year a group of Chinese investors was said to be interested in the building and grounds, however, following an initial approach that potential deal fizzled out.

St Senan’s has been empty since 2013 and has been hard hit by vandals and thieves who have stripped out copper and lead from the roof, leaving the historic building open to the elements. ROTTING AWAY Pages 10 and 11.