Co-location group goes on charm offensive

THE consortium behind a controversial €250 million co-location hospital in Cork has mounted a “charm offensive” to ease local concerns.

Representatives of the Beacon Medical Group (BMG) have contacted local residents’ groups and local politicians in the Wilton area in the last day or so as part of a discreet PR campaign.

The move follows a wave of opposition to the 185-bed five storey hospital on the grounds of the crowded Cork University Hospital (CUH) campus.

The issue came to a head following a public meeting on Monday at which concerns about the scale of the proposed hospital were expressed.

Residents also fear chronic traffic and parking problems in the area.

A committee has been formed to co-ordinate objections — up to 100 could be lodged.

But the medical group hope to explain the details of their proposal to locals over the coming days.

They are also expected to explain why they could not consult with residents about the project before lodging a planning application last November.

The firm has argued that it was precluded under the terms of EU procurement law from discussing the project before lodging the planning application.

Meanwhile, residents’ representatives and the five city councillors from the south west ward are due to meet senior city planners next Tuesday.

Residents will be able to ask questions on the details of the project and get advice on technical matters.

But the meeting will not form part of the planners’ decision-making process.

Residents will still have to make written submissions on the planning application.

A decision is due in early March. However, given the scale of the project, it is likely that planners will seek further information, pushing the decision date back by several weeks or months.