Urgent Dispute Over Baggot Street Hospital Sale: HSE vs Housing Dept

BREAKING: A heated dispute has erupted between the HSE and the Department of Housing over the future of the historic Baggot Street Hospital in Dublin. The HSE has just announced the hospital is officially up for sale, igniting questions about whether it was ever offered to the Housing Department for potential use as accommodation.

The hospital, which has stood vacant since 2019 after operations ceased, is now on the market as the HSE claims no state agencies have shown interest in acquiring the property. In a surprising twist, the Housing Department has stated it was never offered the Baggot Street facility, contradicting the HSE’s assertions.

The HSE’s director of health infrastructure, Brian O’Connell, confirmed that the decision to sell was driven by a lack of need and interest from other state bodies. “There was no confirmed interest from other state agencies in the premises,” he explained.

In response to inquiries about potential housing uses for the building, the Housing Department clarified that it had not received any offer from the HSE. This revelation raises significant concerns about the management of a prime property in the heart of Dublin.

Alan Kelly, a member of the Labour Party, expressed his frustration over the hospital’s deterioration. “Why this fine building was let get into this state of disrepair is beyond me,” he said, emphasizing the need for state bodies to step in rather than allowing it to be sold to the highest bidder. He urged either the Department of Housing or the Department of Culture to consider its potential.

The Department of Housing noted past considerations for the property as temporary accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection from Ukraine under the now-defunct Emergency Refurbishment Programme (ERUP). However, after a thorough inspection, Dublin City Council concluded that the building was not habitable, requiring extensive renovations that would demand significant time and financial resources.

The HSE plans to retain a portion of the site along Haddington Road for a new primary care center, but the fate of the Baggot Street Hospital remains uncertain. As the sale progresses, many are left questioning the future of this historic site and its potential to serve the community.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the situation unfolds. The outcome could have significant implications for housing and community services in Dublin.