The Health Service Executive (HSE) currently has 183 empty buildings in its possession, says Minister of State Joe O’Brien. This statement followed speculations that the health agency could potentially have up to 400 structures under its jurisdiction, which are managed by HSE Capital and Estates. Out of the 183 buildings, 90 are in the process of being sold.
The minister further noted that 32 of the buildings are being evaluated for either reusing them for healthcare services or selling them. Another 61 are kept assets, signifying that, although vacant, they are retained for various health service-related reasons.
The HSE recently offered a few of their properties to the Department of Children and Integration to resolve accommodation issues, however, the number of unused properties remains high. This was mentioned by the Minister of State responsible for Community Development and Charities in a session of the Seanad.
Senator Malcolm Byrne, criticized the HSE Estates for their lack of a strategic approach to their unused properties. He cited the example of the health centre in Camolin, County Wexford, which has been vacant since 2014. Despite claims from the HSE in 2018 that the building would be offered to other agencies, no action was taken. It was suggested in 2022 that the building might house Ukrainian families, and as of November 2023, the HSE stated they would prioritise action on the structure. Some repair work has been conducted, however, the building is still unoccupied.
Minister O’Brien explained the procedures taken when a HSE building is vacated, highlighting that the first step is assessing if the property is surplus to health requirements.
In order to ascertain if they express any interest, various HSE services are approached. If the infrastructure is deemed unnecessary, the Land Development Agency (LDA) is given the first opportunity to acquire the properties. Subsequently, other State bureaus are given the same opportunity. The Green Party representative explained that if no interest is shown by these entities, the property is put up for public sale.
Regarding the Camolin centre, the HSE plans to sell the property. Wexford County Council has demonstrated interest and is aggressively pursuing funding to repurpose the property, with a resolution anticipated in the second quarter of the year. If the council elects not to purchase the previous health centre, then the HSE will proceed to sell it in the public market, the Seanad was informed.
However, Senator Byrne found it intolerable that a State agency still held 183 abandoned properties. He criticised the prolonged period, over a decade, where he said the same justifications are heard repeatedly. The Camolin property has been idle for ten years, a situation he deemed unacceptable. The last instance he brought up the case in the Seanad, it was communicated that the county council had no interest in the property.
The narrative now shifted to suggestions that the council is interested. He seriously doubts how the Minister of State can retain trust in HSE Estates, which continually leaves a significant number of properties empty nationwide. Their lack of urgency in tackling this matter is appalling amidst the high demand for property requisite for a multitude of services.