A Kerry Sinn Fein TD says construction will begin on Killarney Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) next year.
The HSE confirmed to Deputy Pa Daly that work is set to begin in 2026.
The proposed unit will be situated on the grounds of the St. Columbanus site on St Margaret's Road in Killarney.
It’s expected to treat fractures, sprains, minor burns, and infections in order to keep people out of the ED and ensure they receive care quickly and close to home.
Construction is anticipated to take approximately six months.
At present, the St. Columbanus facility houses Killarney Community Hospital, incorporating St. Columbanus Home.
The HSE has stated that once the new Killarney Community Nursing Unit (CNU) is completed on the grounds of the former St. Finan’s Hospital, residents and staff at the St. Columbanus facility will be relocated to the new facility.
Then, following a successful transition, construction work will begin to develop the Killarney Local Injury Unit at the St. Columbanus site.
In response to a parliamentary question by Fianna Fáil’s Deputy Michael Cahill, the HSE said it anticipates the works to the Killarney Local Injury Unit will be completed by quarter three of 2026.
Welcoming the news, Deputy Cahill said the new clinic will provide urgent care services, easing pressure on hospital emergency departments and improving access to timely treatment in the Killarney area.
Deputy Pa Daly described it as a much-needed resource for people in the region, but stated it does not address the demand in North Kerry, where patients often face long travel distances for non-life-threatening injuries.”
He added, “Approximately 60 percent of A&E attendances in UHK come from West Kerry, North Kerry and Castleisland”.
Deputy Daly also highlighted ongoing problems with out-of-hours GP services, especially the closure of the state funded SouthDoc clinic in Listowel.
