O’Shea Calls on HSE to Utilise Vacant Property on Grounds of Mallow General Hospital for Disability Services

Fine Gael TD for Cork North West Deputy John Paul O’Shea has called on the HSE to examine the potential to utilise a vacant property on the grounds of Mallow General Hospital for the development of residential and respite services for people with disabilities.

Deputy O’Shea said there is a clear and pressing need for additional residential and respite places for people with disabilities across North Cork and believes the vacant property on the grounds of Mallow General Hospital could provide an important opportunity to address some of this need.

“I understand that this vacant property was acquired by the HSE a number of years ago, but to date it has remained unused. Given the very real shortage of residential and respite services for people with disabilities in North Cork, I believe we need to look at every available opportunity to increase capacity locally.

“This property is located on the grounds of Mallow General Hospital and could potentially be adapted to provide a valuable facility for people with disabilities and their families in the surrounding communities.

“For families caring for a loved one with a disability, access to appropriate respite can make an enormous difference. Likewise, having suitable residential places available locally can provide greater security and peace of mind for individuals and their families.

“I am therefore calling on the HSE to carry out a full assessment of this vacant property and establish whether it can be developed or adapted to provide residential and/or respite beds for people with disabilities.

Local Fine Gael Councillor Tony O’Shea also supports the call for this property to be put to productive use.

“There is a clear local need for additional disability services, and I believe this is an opportunity that the HSE should be actively exploring. We have seen significant investment nationally in expanding disability services, but we need to ensure that this investment translates into additional capacity on the ground in communities such as those across North Cork.

“If a property is already in public ownership and sitting vacant, we should be asking how it can best be put to use. I believe this site has the potential to make a meaningful contribution to meeting the need for disability services in the area, and I will be asking the HSE for a clear response on what plans, if any, are in place for this property.”