A WEST Cork Councillor has expressed her concern about the State’s ongoing over-reliance on private operators to provide nursing homes and assisted-living units across the country.

Cllr Ann Bambury (SD) was reacting to the news last week that a new 120-bed nursing home at Cappagh, Kinsale received planning permission with 55 conditions attached.

She has also been vocal about the provisions of more beds at Bandon Community Hospital having recently raised motions about the issue at both the Regional Health Forum South West and a meeting of the local authority.

‘While I welcome the plans for additional long stay nursing home beds, assisted-living units and the new crèche in Kinsale I remain concerned about the State’s over-reliance on private providers,’ said Cllr Bambury.

‘The new 120-bed nursing home is a prime example of how essential services for older people continue to be handed over to private operators rather than developed and delivered directly by the State.’

Cllr Bambury said the provision of a crèche is a positive addition, especially with the expansion of housing in the area and the fact that a new Gaeilscoil is being developed beside the site.

‘However, it too is a private enterprise, when what we urgently need is publicly funded, universal accessible childcare.’

‘At present, the State is paying private providers and private landowners often at exorbitant cost when we should instead be investing in State-built facilities that provide State-led services. This would offer better long-term value, greater accountability and improved outcomes for the communities that rely on them.’

Peppard Construction Ltd received planning permission from Cork County Council for the construction of a 120-bed nursing home, which included 32 duplex apartment units comprising 16 ground floor assisted living units and 16 first floor staff accommodation units.

The plans also included a childcare facility as well as improvements to the local public road (L-7249-0) and all associated landscaping, car parking, bicycle storage and site development works at Cappagh.

They said the development proposal offers an opportunity to provide a significant contribution to nursing home bed space provision in the area.