HSE ignored advice that planning was needed to convert Cork B&B into mental health facility 

Susan Herlihy, pottery teacher, and Sheila Hennessy, Mogeely, at the public demonstration to protest against the proposed closure of the Owenacurra Mental Health facility in Midleton. Picture: David Keane

The HSE ignored expert advice that planning permission would be required to convert a €1.25m B&B into a mental health facility, with the property still lying vacant 14 months later as a result.

In November 2020 following the purchase of Glenwood House B&B in Carrigaline, Co Cork, the HSE’s property management was advised by an architect that "you will need planning permission” to convert the property.