A decision on whether or not plans to develop a private hospital on the grounds of Cork University Hospital should be given the green light, has been delayed.

An Bord Pleanala had been expected to announce if they would give the Beacon Medical Group's (BMG) plans to build a €250 million hospital the go ahead earlier this week, however, the board has deferred its decision on the project until next November.

In the interim An Bord Pleanala wants to hold an oral hearing on the plans. While a date has not yet been set for the oral hearing, it's believed this will take place over the coming weeks, with a final decision on the plans due on November 26.

Spokesperson for BMG, Pauline Cullen said they were disappointed with the delay but were happy to follow due process. "If we hadn't had the objections, we would be getting started on the project now and would be creating up to 500 jobs during the construction project," she said adding, "however, we are happy to follow due process and await the decision in November."

Local repreentatives have welcomed the news that An Bord Pleanala has decided to hold an oral hearing on the case.

Green Party Senator Dan Boyle who submitted an objection to Cork City Council and An Bord Pleanála against the proposal on planning grounds, said that the issue needs to be examined in sufficient detail before a final decision is made. "There is no reason why a co-location hospital has to be on the same campus as an existing public hospital. This can be seen in Limerick where the co-location hospital is five minutes away from Limerick Regional Hospital.

"Cork University Hospital is already over developed with considerable existing difficulties in terms of parking and traffic in the Wilton area. There needs to be an alternative proposal for a co-location hospital if it is to go ahead," he said.

Socialist Party councillor Mick Barry who also lodged an appeal against the development also welcomed the news. Although Cllr Barry's appeal was submitted on planning grounds he is known to be a strong opponent of Government policy on colocation and privatisation. "Privatising healthcare by building colocated private hospitals will greatly add to social apartheid in our health services with one standard of healthcare for those who can afford to pay and another for those who can't," he said.

Comments (0) »

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment