More calls to safeguard the future of St Finan’s

Kerry Fianna Fáil Councillor, Michael Cahill is the latest politician to make calls for the safeguarding of St Finan's Hospital.

He is calling for the government to make immediate plans to take the St Finan’s Hospital building in charge and make arrangements for the protection and refurbishment of it as a National Monument.

“This task is of national importance and

Kerry County Council do not have the funding for such a venture. The Office of Public Works needs to be brought on board, with sufficient Government funding to stabilise the building and prevent further deterioration initially, with a view to converting it for public use,” he said Councillor Cahill.

“As reported by Kerry County Council’s Acting Director of Planning, Paul Neary, St Finan’s is irreplaceable in terms of architectural heritage, as well as being of national importance historically and socially. It is interwoven with society in Kerry now for nearly 175 years, and its ar- tistic value must be protected for future generations.”

“There are a variety of uses that it could be put to and these should be explored now. I would personally favour an educational theme, whether on a medical or tourism agenda. But right now, it must be dealt with speedily and sensitively, before it deteriorates beyond repair.”