The 101 residents of St Columbanus Hospital and Killarney Community Hospital will be the first to move to the new Community Nursing Unit (CNU) in Killarney.
That’s according to Minister of State for Older People, Kieran O'Donnell.
He was responding to questions from Kerry Fine Gael Senator Mike Kennelly in Seanad Éireann.
The 130-bed unit had originally been due to open last year, but lengthy delays have drawn strong criticism from public representatives.
Addressing the Seanad, junior minister O'Donnell said existing residents and staff will transfer to the new unit "over the coming weeks".
He said the phased opening of the Killarney CNU will then allow the remaining 29 beds to open to new residents.
The junior minister said the facility is fully furnished, fully equipped, and ready for "occupation", pending completion of HIQA’s independent registration process.
Senator Kennelly was told that HSE South West is continuing to engage with residents, families and staff ahead of the transfer.
Room allocations have already been agreed, and open evenings are planned to allow residents and families to see the new unit before the move.
The minister also said there is ongoing communication with union and staff representatives.
He said there are no reported recruitment issues, and that the campaign to hire additional staff for the extra 29 beds is well under way.
An official opening date will be confirmed once HIQA registration is granted.
