Former health clinic in Wicklow to be sold on open market after no state body steps forward
The Wicklow PeopleThe former health clinic in Tinahely is now being prepared for open market sale after the Health Service Executive (HSE) confirmed that no state body expressed interest in acquiring the building during the formal disposal window.
The decision ends years of uncertainty but leaves the future of the site entirely dependent on private purchase.
Correspondence released under the Freedom of Information Act shows that the HSE declared the Tinahely property surplus to requirements in February 2026 and placed it on the Office of Public Works’ Intra‑State Property Register.
Wicklow County Council was invited to submit a formal expression of interest by March 23, later extended to May 8. Council officials engaged with the HSE, seeking detailed mapping of the portion of property proposed for disposal.
The HSE later sent a map showing the proposed disposal area and noted that it intended to retain an easement for a soakpit along the western boundary. Ultimately officials stated that the local authority did not have an interest in acquiring the site.
With no other state stakeholder stepping forward, the HSE confirmed to Deputy Malcolm Byrne in June that the building would now be offered for sale on the open market. Deputy Byrne, who has been pressing the HSE for clarity on the building’s future, said he welcomed the decision to finally move ahead with disposal.
“For quite some time, I have been chasing the Health Service Executive to make a decision as to what they are doing with the former health clinic in Tinahely. It has been left vacant for many years and this is really unfair on this vibrant community.”
“I am happy that they have finally agreed after much pressure to put it on the market,” he said.
“The HSE cannot continue to leave so many buildings vacant around the country. There is an obligation on the State to make sure buildings get used for some purpose and if not of use, then sell them rather than leaving them empty.” he added.
The Tinahely outcome stands in sharp contrast to the situation in Donard, where the future of the former health centre has been secured following a unanimous decision by Wicklow County Council to approve its disposal by way of a 30-year lease to Donard Community Enterprises CLG.
The former Donard Health Centre in west Wicklow.
The move ends a prolonged period of uncertainty and marks a significant achievement for residents and local representatives who mobilised early to ensure the building remained in public use.
When asked for comment on the situation, Wicklow County Council issued a short and succinct statement saying it assesses “each potential property acquisition on its own merits, taking account of a range of factors.”
It said decisions are made “following a case-by-case assessment and in accordance with the council’s governance, procurement and statutory obligations”.
The council added that “the rationale for acquiring one property does not necessarily apply to another, as each proposal is evaluated based on its specific circumstances”, concluding that it had no further comment in relation to the matter.