'Much-needed' Midlands Regional Hospice granted planning permission

The long-awaited Midlands Regional Hospice has been granted planning permission by An Coimisiún Pleanala for the Arden Lane site in Tullamore.

The decision follows a series of appeals and objections which have delayed the construction of the much-needed palliative care unit.

The latest planning objection was issued by the owner of Condron Concrete, John Condron to An Coimisiún Pleanála back in January.

The appeal was originally submitted after Offaly County Council passed a motion for a material contravention of the Offaly County Development Plan during their December monthly meeting.

All 19 councillors unanimously voted for permission to be granted therefore giving their backing to the building of the 20 bed palliative care facility on a site at Arden Lane.

Condron Concrete’s appeal was on the grounds that there was a lack of boundary separation between their business and the proposed hospice.

An Coimisiún Pleanála was due to give its verdict on the appeal by Tuesday, June 2 following months of deliberation.

However, Mr. Condron withdrew his appeal before the planning body's decision due to an agreement reached with the HSE regarding the barrier.

In response, the HSE submitted plans to Offaly County Council on May 7 for the erection of a three metre tall sound barrier around the western and northern boundaries of the palliative care unit.

Following this resolution, An Coimisiún Pleanala have now granted planning permission for the hospice subject to certain conditions being met.

The planning authority offered more context to their decision on the matter through the inspector’s report based around a site inspection at Arden Lane which occurred on April 16.

This read: “The proposal is of regional importance and thus the site, subject to fulfilling other criteria, should be considered for a hospice.”

“The site is unusual in that it provides natural calm whilst also being within easy reach of services, adding that similar site would be very difficult to locate and, on this basis considers a material contravention may be appropriate.”

The report also concluded: “The proposal will not impact on adjacent industrial activities nor would the development of adjacent lands to the south of Arden Lane currently zoned ‘business and technology park’ impact on quality of care in the hospice.”

“A low density, urban area, will provide a suitable location for a new Regional Hospice which will deliver both in-patient and outpatient palliative care to patients from the Midlands region.”

Fine Gael TD for Offaly, John Clendennen, has welcomed the decision by the independent body to grant planning permission, subject to conditions, for the proposed new hospice at Arden Lane in Tullamore.

Welcoming the decision, Deputy Clendennen said: “This is a hugely welcome development and an important milestone in progressing a project that will make a real difference to families across Offaly and the Midlands.”

“The granting of planning permission provides certainty and allows the focus to move towards delivering this much-needed facility."

READ NEXT: Planning permission sought for development of new playground in Offaly

He continued: “Access to high-quality palliative and end-of-life care is something that matters deeply to families. This dedicated hospice facility will provide comfort, dignity and support to patients and their loved ones during some of the most difficult times in their lives."

Deputy Clendennen acknowledged the work undertaken by the HSE, healthcare professionals, local campaigners, elected representatives and community stakeholders who have supported the project and advocated for improved palliative care services throughout the region.

He stated: “This project has received strong support from the community and today's decision is recognition of the need for enhanced hospice and specialist palliative care services in the Midlands.

“While there is still work to be done, this is a very significant step in the right direction and I’m determined to see this project delivered for the county. “

Deputy Clendennen also acknowledged the support of Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, who visited the proposed site last year and has engaged positively on the project.

"I look forward to continuing to work with Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, the HSE and all stakeholders to ensure this project progresses as quickly as possible through the remaining stages. Delivering this hospice remains a priority and today's decision brings us one step closer to making it a reality."

The Fine Gael TD concluded: “Today's decision is positive news for patients, families and healthcare services throughout the Midlands. I look forward to seeing this important project move to the next stage and ultimately provide the care, support and dignity that patients and their families deserve.”

Fianna Fáil TD for Offaly, Tony McCormack also praised the latest development in the planning process for the hospice describing the decision as a major step towards delivering a vital healthcare resource for the Midlands.

Speaking following the decision, Deputy McCormack said: "This is extremely positive news for Offaly and the wider Midlands. The granting of planning permission represents a key milestone and provides the certainty needed to move this important project forward.”

He added: "A dedicated hospice facility has been a priority for many families and communities across the region for a long time. Today's decision is a significant step towards ensuring people facing life-limiting illnesses can access specialist care and support closer to home."

READ MORE: PICTURES: Esker Hills Golf Club celebrate Offaly golfer after huge win

Deputy McCormack said the development would enhance healthcare provision across the Midlands and provide an invaluable service for patients and their loved ones during some of the most challenging times in their lives.

"The importance of hospice and palliative care cannot be overstated. This facility will offer comfort, dignity and support to patients while also providing reassurance and assistance to families when they need it most.”

He finished by saying: "It is encouraging to see continued progress in expanding healthcare infrastructure in our region. This project will be a valuable addition to the services available in the Midlands and will have a lasting positive impact on local communities."

Councillor Shane Murray from the Tullamore Municipal District commended the decision by An Coimisiún Pleanala to grant planning permission for the palliative care unit at Arden Lane.

The Fianna Fáil representative conveyed: “I’m delighted that the planning permission to get this much-needed Midlands Hospice built in Tullamore has been given, it’s now time for everyone to get together and drive this forward. “

He further said: “This is a much-needed service to people when in most need. A 20 inpatient bed unit at Arden Lane, Tullamore, complete with ancillary services, including a Day Therapy Unit and an education centre.”

“It’s a facility that can look after patients at the end of their life and give comfort and solace to their families at a difficult time.”

Councillor Murray finished by paying tribute to some of the figures he felt were integral to the development of the Midlands Hospice.

He elaborated: “Before Barry Cowen became an MEP, he sourced €24 million for this project, and now with the drive of deputy Tony McCormack TD, this will now be reality along with a little help from our Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, who has very strong Tullamore connections.”

Independent TD for Offaly, Carol Nolan also supported the decision as she noted that the approval is a long-awaited and important development for palliative care in Offaly and the Midlands region.

“This decision brings us significantly closer to providing a dedicated hospice that will deliver essential end-of-life care to patients and their families in their own community,” Deputy Nolan said.

The independent TD, who has consistently called for a hospice in the Midlands and has strongly advocated for full transparency throughout the site selection process in order to secure genuine community confidence.

She has repeatedly stressed that openness and fairness in decision-making are essential for proper community buy-in, and has criticised unnecessary delays and a lack of clarity that contributed to delays around getting the project to this point.

She explained: “Offaly and the wider Midlands have waited far too long for this facility. Families should not have to travel long distances when facing the most difficult times. I have always argued that we must get the right site, selected properly and transparently. This planning decision is a welcome and positive move.”

The Offaly TD also paid tribute to the Offaly Hospice Foundation, local campaigners, healthcare professionals, the HSE and all those who have worked to advance the project,

“Their commitment and fundraising efforts have been outstanding. This approval now allows all sides to concentrate on the critical next phase of getting shovels in the ground and delivering the hospice as quickly as possible,” Deputy Nolan concluded.

The approval from An Coimisiún Pleanala certainly paves the way for the next phase of development and brings the long-awaited project significantly closer to becoming a reality for the Midlands region.