Housing Department Denies Offer for Baggot Street Hospital Sale

The ongoing dispute between the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Department of Housing revolves around the fate of the historic Baggot Street Hospital in Dublin. The building, which has stood vacant since 2019, is now officially up for sale. The HSE asserts that the property was never offered to the Housing Department, contradicting previous statements regarding its availability for housing solutions.

The Baggot Street Hospital, a prominent structure dating back to 1831, ceased operations in 2019. Recently, the HSE announced its decision to sell the property, citing a lack of interest from any state agencies in acquiring it. Inquiries were made by The Journal to the Housing Department about the potential for using the centrally located building for housing. The response was clear: “This department has not been offered the Baggot St. Building for housing purposes.”

This statement contrasts with comments from Brian O’Connell, the HSE’s director of health infrastructure, who explained that the decision to sell part of the hospital was made due to its unneeded status and the absence of interest from other state agencies. O’Connell emphasized that the HSE had followed protocol by initially presenting the property for acquisition by state entities.

In response to questions about whether the HSE had approached the Housing Department regarding the building, the HSE confirmed that it had adhered to established procedures. Ultimately, the decision to sell was made after “there was no confirmed interest from other state agencies in the premises.”

Concerns about the hospital’s condition have been voiced by members of the Labour Party. Alan Kelly, who visited the site last year as chair of the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee, expressed disbelief over the building’s current state. He stated, “Why this fine building was let get into this state of disrepair is beyond me. It is a prime location and should be used by a state body instead of being sold to the highest bidder.”

Kelly suggested that either the Housing Department or the Department of Culture should have an interest in the property. He also urged that Dublin City Council should have plans to utilize the space for civic purposes or community services.

The Department of Housing indicated that there had been previous considerations for the building as temporary accommodation for beneficiaries of the Emergency Refurbishment (Ukraine) Programme. A spokesperson explained that Dublin City Council was tasked with conducting an initial site inspection to evaluate the Baggot Street Hospital’s suitability for refurbishment. However, their findings revealed that the structure was not habitable, and the necessary renovations would require significant financial and time investment.

Meanwhile, the HSE plans to retain the Haddington Road side of the site for a proposed primary care centre, indicating its ongoing commitment to healthcare development in the area.

As the situation develops, stakeholders continue to express concern about the future of this historic building and the potential for its use in addressing pressing housing needs in Dublin.