HSE is 'on track' to submit more information on plans Midlands' Hospice in Tullamore

THE HSE has responded to a story published earlier this week in which we described plans for a hospice in Tullamore as 'stalled'.

Offaly County Council has put the application ''on-hold'' as it awaits further information from the health service executive.

The HSE says it is on track to submit a response for further information by mid-September, two months ahead of the statutory period provided for in the planning process which is six months. It adds that the HSE has been actively engaging with key stakeholders and the design team to finalise the required information.

Offaly County Council is seeking information on a large range of issues including a revised proposal tightening the junction connecting the new access road. It says its current design 'may lead to speeding'.

Also drawings are required to ensue there are adequate sightlines and inter-visibility between drivers waiting at the Yield line on Arden Land and westbound drivers on Arden Lane.

In addition to a number of design details, the council is seeking clarification around the ownership of the land for the proposed site. It questions the legal authority for consent for the application.

The council also want to see the consent of the relevant landowners for the roadside verge where the proposal requires that the roadside verge is to be used to upgrade Arden Lane.

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During the pre-planning meetings, queries relating to non-inclusion of hoists into patient ensuite bathrooms; how OT and Physio equipment storage space was calculated; mortuary / cold room; numbers of clinical staff attending and the space requirements to accommodate same; and possibility of a children’s playroom were raised.

''It is considered that these have not been fully addressed and are potentially relevant to the size, design and layout of the building being assessed by the current application,'' says the planning authority.

The HSE is asked to address these issues. The application was lodged last April.