Forty beds omitted from revised hospital plan
The amended blueprint for the proposed Ennis complex follows concerns highlighted by county council planners.
The original planning application by promoters John Stack from Lisdoonvarna and Donegal developer Pat Bonner sought approval for 120 in-patient beds along with an additional 20 out-patient and day care beds at Shanaway Road in Ennis. They initially estimated the cost at €60 million to construct and fully equip the new private hospital.
However, resubmitted plans are for 73 in-patient beds, seven gynae/cardiology beds and a further 20 day surgery beds bringing the total to 100.
The developers had lodged a planning application with Clare County Council last December for a site zoned for residential use. The promoters said if planning permission was granted, over 100 construction jobs would be created and between 400 and 500 full-time jobs once the hospital became fully operational in 2012.
The proposed complex will provide a full range of medical and healthcare services including general surgery, urgent care, cardiology, radiation, oncology, cosmetic surgery four operating theatres and endoscopy. Other related services will include physiotherapy, laboratory, X-ray, radiology, MRI/PET scans, ECG, mammogram, renal dialysis, ultrasound, pharmacy and dental facilities.
In a recent request for further information, the local planning authority expressed serious concerns about aspects of the proposed development concerning the scale of the building relative to the site area; the loading of the foul effluent to the public sewer; traffic and congestion issues on the Shanaway Road; and impact to residential amenity by way of noise, overbearing issues and increase in traffic volumes.
According to planning documents submitted by Galway-based planning consultants McCarthy Keville O’Sullivan, the overall floor area has been reduced by 26% and a proposed fifth storey removed.
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