Politicians scramble to take credit for hospital

A political row has flared among local politicians claiming kudos for a new €8m community hospital in Kenmare, Co Kerry.

Nineteen residents were yesterday transferred from the town’s old hospital to the modern, 40-bed facility for which the area had been campaigning for more than 30 years.

And, as politicians rushed out statements vying for the credit, people were none the wiser as to which, if any of them, delivered the hospital.

Former TD Jackie Healy-Rae once said that the hospital was part of his “shopping list’’ in return for his support for previous FF-led governments and his son, Michael, currently a TD, was adamant the credit should go to him.

Kenmare-based Fianna Fáil Senator Mark Daly, however, claimed it all resulted from “years of work’’ by him and others in the community.

Great to see Kenmare Hospital opening. Received a lovely letter from Úna O'Neill of the Friends of Kenmare Hospital. pic.twitter.com/fgJ2o02yq1

— Senator Mark Daly (@SenatorMarkDaly) June 10, 2013

More modestly, Independent TD Tom Fleming said he had raised the matter in the Dáil on a number of occasions.

But, Kenmare Fine Gael Cllr Patrick Connor-Scarteen indicated that having the ear of party colleague and Health Minister James Reilly was the real clincher. He claimed that, despite having “no obligation’’ to do so, it was Dr Reilly that decided the hospital should go ahead and provided the necessary cash.

The hospital replaces an adjoining 24-bed facility for which the HSE had planned a 14-bed extension.

In 2008, however, the HSE announced it would instead develop a new, 40-bed hospital and work began in Nov 2011.

The former hospital building will be demolished to allow for car parking and external works.

The facility will also provide a mental health day care centre, replacing an existing centre in Kilgarvan, as well as a new ambulance base for the area which also includes part of the Beara Peninsula.

‘I did that’

*Kerry Fine Gael Cllr Patrick Connor-Scarteen: “We kept up the pressure and delivered when Fine Gael and Labour gained power.”

Kerry FF Senator Mark Daly (on his website): “The construction work on the new Kenmare Hospital continues following years of work by Senator Daly and all involved within the local community and Kenmare Hospital Action Committee.”

Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae: “Despite false claimings (sic) by a Kerry senator that he is responsible for the new community hospital in Kenmare, I wish to reaffirm that it was Jackie Healy-Rae who fought and secured this money and the provision of the project for the people of Kenmare.”

Independent TD Tom Fleming: “Raised matter in the Dáil on a number of occasions.”

Delighted that the new Kenmare community hospital opened today. Sincere best wishes to the staff, patients and all those involved.

— Michael Healy-Rae (@MHealyRae) June 11, 2013