Plans lodged for medical facility in old AIB building in Cork city

A VACANT former bank adjacent to UCC could be set for a new lease of life, with plans to provide a “much needed” medical consultant clinic lodged with Cork City Council.

The application, submitted by BluCo Investments ULC, seeks to deliver the facility at 64-65 College Road — a former AIB branch which closed in 2021.

A cover letter submitted with the application said the company is owned by Peter and Doireann O’Leary.

“Peter O’Leary is a consultant general surgeon at the Bon Secours Hospital and a senior lecturer in surgery at University College Cork, and his company has purchased the property to provide much needed medical consultant clinic provision in Cork city,” it stated.

The plans propose the change of use, development and extension of the premises. 

They include the provision of seven medical consulting rooms, waiting areas, offices, bathroom facilities and an increase in car parking spaces from eight to 13. The cover letter contends that the premises would be an ideal location in which to open the medical clinic.

“Overall, the reuse of the former bank building which has been vacant for almost two years to provide a medical clinic in an area that is accessible and complementary to both nearby hospitals and clinics, and on a well-serviced public bus route, will improve the appearance and functionality of the building while providing additional medical services to help to reduce waiting lists and improve timelines for access to medical care,” it said.

“The covid-19 pandemic highlighted capacity issues within the existing healthcare provision and has resulted in the increase in waiting list times and capacity for healthcare. 

"Our client is acutely aware of the waiting lists for both outpatient and inpatient care within the city and demand is increasing in line with population increase. Early access to consultant led clinics can help reduce inpatient waiting lists and waiting times for screening and treatment access for outpatient and day surgery procedures, leading to improved medical outcomes.”