The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
‘IT merger an opportunity for progress at St Finan’s’
A MERGER between IT Tralee and Cork IT would represent fresh hope for the iconic St Finan’s Hospital and its adjacent lands in Killarney to be used for the public good, Killarney Cathaoirleach Councillor Michael Gleeson believes.
Cllr Gleeson has made the calls after the ITs last week received the green light to merge and form a Technological University.
Using the protected structure and its adjoining lands for the public good has been an ongoing concern for the South Kerry Independent Alliance Councillor. But this pursuit was dealt a hammer blow in November when the HSE – which intends to build a new 130-bed Community Nursing Unit on St Finan’s Grounds – said it intended to sell the building itself and its surrounding lands by public auction.
“The HSE has said it has gotten no traction from public bodies,” Cllr Gleeson told The Kerryman at the time.
He has previously said, however, that the site should be considered as a location for distance learning, perhaps in conjunction with a third-level institute, and he is now hopeful that the merger represents a last-gasp opportunity to use the former county psychiatric hospital in the kind of way he’d envisioned.
“I would be delighted if the new Technological University, when it becomes a reality, would enter into discussions with the HSE with a view to acquiring, under a public service agreement, that building as a location for distance learning,” he told The Kerryman this week. “I think it would have particular relevance in Killarney, as a prime tourist town, where a focus could be put on all those skills. And not only that, I’d be hopeful that, on the land that adjoins, apartments to accommodate students could be provided and, thus, eliminate the need for them to travel to either Tralee or Cork.
“Hotels in the town and surrounds would then be ideal locations to implement the practical element of their courses.”
Councillor Gleeson said he has not received any direct feedback on his proposal as of yet, but he said he will raise it at the next HSE Regional Health Forum, whenever it takes place.
He claims that the proposal would have strong backing in Killarney and its surrounds, and he thinks the potential impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the tourism industry could put the spotlight back on finding a public body to make use of the site.
“I would hope that by raising the issue, interest could be promoted in this by the new and wonderful news of the amalgamation of the two ITs,” he said on Monday. “In this strange new world, its sale potential could be diminished with tourism now entering a whole new phase on the back of Coronavirus.
“I think initially, earlier on, IT Tralee expressed some interest, but then pulled back from it. But now it’s a whole new ball game, and a far bigger entity they’re talking about – maybe now is the time. It’s now or never.”