Unused northside HSE building deemed 'surplus to requirements'

At a recent Regional Health Forum, Cork City North West councillor, John Sheehan (FF) asked the HSE to clarify whether the HSE-owned Father O’Leary Hall on Shandon Street has been sold.

The former lord mayor also asked if the HSE could confirm if the premises was offered to the Land Development Agency (LDA) and Cork City Council for sale, and if it’s the HSE’s intention to place the premises on the open market.

Cllr Sheehan said it is encouraging that the nearby Weighmasters House project has been green lit for planning permission to create a community and creative space but said the project would “only satisfy some of the local community needs”.

“The concern is if that the Weighmaster project does not receive funding and Fr O’Leary building is sold, the local community could end up with no community space,” said Cllr Sheehan.

Responding to Cllr Sheehan’s question, Director of Estates, HSE South West, Daniel Clifford confirmed that Father O’Leary Hall on Shandon Street has not been sold and is considered as being “surplus to requirements” to the State.

Mr Clifford also confirmed that the property had been previously offered to both the LDA & Cork City Council, both of whom, he said, expressly declared having no interest in acquiring same.

“In accordance with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform’s Circular 11/2015, it is listed on the State Property Register, its status is marked ‘surplus to requirements’ and therefore, available for inter-state transfers should any other State entity wish to acquire,” said Mr Clifford in his written response.

“In the absence of any expressed interest by another state stakeholder to acquire, the HSE will then progress the disposal of the property on the open market in line with the aforementioned Department of Public Expenditure and Reform’s Circulars and the HSE Property Protocol,” he added.