Two Ennis area Councillors have disagreed over whether one of the town's main public nursing facilities should be replaced, in light of criticisms from the health watchdog.
HIQA have raised concerns about fire safety procedures at St. Joseph's Hosptial, and about the facility itself.
After an unnanounced inspection in August, HIQA made number of criticisms in relation to fire safety at St. Joseph's, including a failure to provide adequate fire blankets as well deficits in warning systems and signage.
The inspector also criticised the response to an internal investigation which followed on from a fire there in March, though it notes that the feedback related to care there is consistantly positive.
Fianna Fáil Councillor and Chairman of the HSE's Health Forum West Tom McNamara says budgetary cutbacks are largely to blame.
The HSE has yet to comment, despite requests to do so, but corrective action has been taken at St. Joseph's in light of the report, and HIQA says this is 'satisfactory'.
The Authority, though, has also taken issue with facilities, and has again found that the layout and design of St. Joseph's inhibits 'the privacy, independence and quality of life' of it's 100+ residents.
Management have also told HIQA that there would be 'significant limitations' in carrying out works at the Lifford Road site, while still maintaining a public service, and Councillor McNamara believes a replacement building may be needed.
However, the Mayor of Ennis has sounded a note of caution following this suggestion.
Fine Gael Councillor Johnny Flynn thinks upgrade works should be persued.
