Permission granted for co-located hospital in Cork

An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission for a co-located private hospital on the grounds of Cork University Hospital.

The planning appeals body delivered its decision today following an oral hearing into the matter last year.

A number of local residents' groups objected to the proposal, arguing it would lead to traffic congestion.

The €250m facility, which is due to be built by the Beacon Medical Group, will cater for up to 11,000 in-patients and carry out 12,000 surgical procedures each year.

The facilities will be for private patients only, but the Government hopes the co-location plan will free up beds and facilities in CUH for public patients.