Public bodies must have first right of refusal on St Senan’s
A MOTION calling for first right of refusal to be offered to Government bodies other than the HSE was backed at the meeting.
Cllr Michael Sheehan’s motion called on the Minister for Health Simon Harris to intervene in the proposed HSE auction of St Senan’s and to offer first right of refusal to other public bodies ‘ before releasing a key county asset into the private market for development’.
Cllr Sheehan said the old psychiatric hospital is located on a substantial site in Enniscorthy which is zoned for housing and industry, adding that it could be bought by vulture funds.
Cllr Deirdre Wadding seconded his motion.
Cllr George Lawlor expressed concern, saying: ‘If we start to interfere with this we will end up with a situation like we have have with the old hospital in Wexford town. Because it’s a protected structure the HSE has left it go to wrack and ruin. We don’t want another building destroying another prime area of this county.’
Cllr Sheehan said he is afraid the building will go to the market and be sold to vulture funds for a fraction of what it is worth.
Chairman Cllr Paddy Kavanagh replied: ‘I think we need a bit of realism here; do you think anyone is going to listen to us one way or the other.’
CEO Tom Enright said there are various parties interested in buying St Senan’s. He said the valuation officer in Dublin will not sell the building for below its guide price.