Three GP practices given more time to leave centre

Three GP practices, which have been operating without planning permission in a Kerry medical centre, will have moved out by the end of next month.

Under an enforcement order issued on Oct 10, the GPs were to vacate the Prime Medical Centre, in Killarney, by Jan 11, but further time was required to facilitate a return to their former surgeries.

Town clerk Michael O’Leary told Monday night’s Killarney Town Council meeting two separate items of correspondence had been received from Sunday’s Well Properties Ltd, developers of the medical centre, and Dr Gary Stack, stating that the second floor would be vacated by the end of February.

The other GPs on the second floor are Dr Donal Kavanagh and Dr John Geaney.

Councillor Donal Grady proposed that the council express full support for the maintenance of the medical practices in the centre.

Mr O’Leary then gave a detailed report on the planning history of the centre, in the Reeks Gateway building, and there was no further discussion on the issue.

The council granted planning permission for the building as a medical centre, on Oct 27, 2011, but this was appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

Bord Pleanála subsequently refused permission for the retention of surgeries on the second floor, but allowed permission for medical use of the first floor.

Meanwhile, Sunday’s Well Properties has confirmed a new planning application is to be submitted in the coming weeks. The company said the aim was that the building should continue to develop as a medical centre.