The Bishop of Killaloe has confirmed that the diocese intends to press ahead with the sale of a greenfield site at St. Flannan’s College in Ennis despite objection by staff at the school.
The sale is to facilitate a €25m HSE plan for a 100 bed community hospital to replace existing bed capacity at St. Joseph’s Hospital in the town.
The planning application from the HSE to build the Community Nursing Unit (CNU) on the greenfield site at St. Flannan’s College was put on hold last September, pending confirmation from the school that the lands were not subject to any potential future expansion.
Last month, staff at St. Flannan’s college issued a statement citing concerns that the proposed development ‘will have a seriously negative impact on the student population’.
College staff highlighted the greenfield site”is the last remaining site of its kind in Ennis’ and their belief that other sites would be more suited to the planned elederly care facility.
However, in response to a further information request, Fr Albert McDonnell on behalf of the diocese’s property arm, the St Flannan’s (Killaloe) Diocesan Trust. has provided a letter clarifying that there is no intention to use this portion of land for the future development of the school.
Bishop of Killaloe, Fintan Monahan has confirmed the diocese’s intention to proceed with the sale.
Bishop Monahan confirmed that he has had a meeting with College staff representatives on their opposition to the proposed land sale.
Staff at St Flannan’s will now be able to formalise their opposition to the scheme if they wish as the Council can now accept new third party objections on the application.
A decision is expected on the application in April.
