EXCLUSIVE: HSE Doubles Down On Move To Sell Kilcullen Building - Restored By Locals - To Highest Bidder

Tuesday, 15 July 2025 17:19

By Martin Osborne

Many in Kilcullen gave time, skills, and secured grant funding to restore the historic property, trusting that it would serve local needs for years to come.

In a major blow to Kilcullen locals, the HSE has doubled down on its plans to sell the Old Dispensary building in Kilcullen on the open market, sparking shock among local residents and public representatives who had hoped the property would be handed over for community use.

In response to questions from Kfm this evening, the HSE said:

“The HSE must operate within its statutory obligations and is required to offer surplus assets to the Land Development Agency and then to other State stakeholders (including Local Authorities) under Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) Circulars 11/15 Protocols for the Transfer and Sharing of State Property Assets & 17/16 Policy for the Property Acquisition and for Disposal of Surplus Property.”

“The HSE have engaged with Tailte Eireann (formerly referred to as the Valuation Office) in respect to independent valuation of property as part of intra-state transfer processes. Kildare County Council engaged with the HSE in respect of these processes, and it was confirmed by KCC to the HSE in July 2025 that they are not intending to progress acquisition of this property via this process at this time. In line with DPER protocols, the HSE will now take the necessary steps for a disposal of the subject property by way of an Open Market sale.”

The council wanted to acquire the property through an intra-state transfer for a nominal fee and is not in a position to pay full market value.

Many in Kilcullen gave time, skills, and secured grant funding to restore the historic property, trusting that it would serve local needs for years to come.

Fine Gael Councillor Tracey O'Dwyer said if the HSE sells the building on the open market, it will be profiting from unpaid community labour and goodwill.

There is no indication in the HSE’s statement that it plans to pause or reconsider unless directed to do so under protocol.

The HSE also addressed questions over why a new formal lease agreement had never been issued to the local committee that has been managing the property.

“An initial lease between the HSE (as Landlord) and Teach na Daoine (as Tenant) was executed by the parties for the property in December 2015. After the lease expired, a lease extension was under discussion between the parties for an extended lease term, however a subsequent lease was not executed.”