Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 February 2024
19. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health to clarify the ownership of a nursing home (details supplied); if it remains in the ownership of the State in the form of the HSE; if there are plans to dispose of it; if local people can continue to enjoy historical rights-of-way over parts of the land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9377/24]
View answerI thank the Deputy for this question, and I acknowledge his long-standing engagement on the potential future use of Crooksling Nursing Home for community purposes. The Deputy and I have visited Crooksling and have had many conversations on the topic.
I can confirm that Crooksling is under the ownership of the HSE.
A HSE review of Crooksling Nursing Home was undertaken which determined that the site is surplus to the HSE’s requirements. In line with the HSE Property Protocol and DPER Circular 11/2015, the HSE offered the property to all State Stakeholders through the Intra-State Property Register.
My own view is that the site could potentially be redeveloped in the longer-term to provide community services for the area.
Most recently, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) expressed an interest in Crooksling in order to facilitate the provision of suitable accommodation to Persons Seeking International Protection.
This interest from DCEDIY is welcome, as it would enable the site to be put into active use in the short-term, providing investment which would potentially be of benefit for the longer term use of the site in provision of community services.
Any existing registered rights of ways associated with the property will be honoured by the HSE and DCEDIY should DCEDIY take over the property.
I, my Department, and the HSE, continue to engage with DCEDIY and other stakeholders with a view to achieving the optimal use of State Lands and properties to meet overall government priorities across all sectors, including the provision of healthcare and community services.
