HSE denies conflict of interest in buying Cork property from health chief's relative

Selling parties of proposed new facility were the sister and brother-in-law of the acting head of mental health services for the Cork/Kerry region

The Carrigaline sale had emerged as problematic given the decision by the HSE to close the established community mental health service at Owenacurra in Midleton (above), a decision vigorously opposed by locals and the families of residents at the facility. 

The HSE has said it was aware of a potential conflict of interest on a property it purchased in Cork “at a very early point” in the procurement process.

The executive bought Glenwood House in Carrigaline, a former B&B, for €750,000 in January 2021 with the intention of converting it into a community-based mental health centre.