The HSE said it conducted an internal review after the leaseholder handed back possession, and concluded that the property was “not required at present for health service delivery” in the area.
The HSE has confirmed that no state agency has come forward to take over the former Teach na nDaoine building in Kilcullen, clearing the way for a possible full open market sale of a building many believed would serve the local community.
Kfm understands, however, that Kildare County Council is in the process of trying to acquire the property through an intra-state transfer.
In a fresh statement issued to Kfm this evening, the HSE said it had engaged with all relevant state stakeholders as part of a statutory process - including Kildare County Council - following the return of the building by its former leaseholder, Teach na nDaoine Cill Chuilinn.
"In line with statutory obligations and regulations, the HSE has subsequently engaged with all relevant state stakeholders (including engagement with Kildare County Council) around potential intra-state transfer," a HSE spokesperson said.
They added: "It has been confirmed to the HSE this week that no other state stakeholders intend to acquire the property. In the event that an intra state transfer does not proceed, a disposal is to proceed to an Open Market sale. The HSE will now look at necessary steps to move forward on this basis."
The building, once a derelict dispensary, was rebuilt from the ground up by Kilcullen residents - through local fundraising, government grants, and support from Kildare County Council.
Its future as a day centre for older residents or wider community use was expected among the community.
The HSE said it conducted an internal review after the leaseholder handed back possession, and concluded that the property was “not required at present for health service delivery” in the area.
That decision triggered the disposal process, with the HSE now looking at "necessary steps to move forward”.
It is understood, however, that Kildare County Council officials are working behind the scenes in an attempt to acquire the building.
The response from locals to a possible open-market sale has been shock and anger.
Speaking to Kfm, Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer (FG) said the HSE owns the building but Kildare County Council owns the land it is situated on.
To dispose of the land, Kildare county council would have to get councillor approval but O'Dwyer said she can not see any councillor signing off on a community building being "sold on the public market".
She said the "right thing to do" is for the HSE to transfer the building to the council for community use.
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