Steps being taken on derelict buildings, say HSE

The HSE has moved to reassure those concerned about derelict, or mostly unused, properties it owns that steps are being taken to ensure they do not meet the same fate as the St Kevin’s facility in Cork which was gutted by fire this week.

It came as local representatives throughout the country voiced fears that older buildings, still in the ownership of the HSE, needed to be protected in the short term and a use found for them in the long term, in light of Tuesday’s fire.

Gardaí are investigating the blaze which caused extensive damage to the former mental health facility, which had been unused since 2002.