A Kerry councillor has given the HSE an ultimatum to return a statue of the Sacred Heart to the main entrance of the Killarney Community Hospital in response to local outrage at its removal last year.
Following a query from Councillor Donal Grady, An Bord Pleanála ruled that the HSE did not have planning permission to remove the statue from above the main door.
''I was told it was removed for health and safety. I wasn't happy with that. The statue had to go back up where it was,'' Cllr Grady said. ''We're giving them four weeks, and after the four weeks we will issue the warning to give the statue back. I honestly believe they will put it back up.''
Stunned
Fr Kevin McNamara told The Irish Catholic that parishioners were ''shocked and stunned'' that the HSE had taken down the statue without consultation, citing health and safety concerns.
''It took over seven hours of heavy work with the construction men to take it down, I think that is an answer in itself,'' Fr McNamara said. ''I would dearly love it to be back, not as a victory, but just as a spiritual support.''
The statue has been moved from the grounds to the roof and the HSE is considering An Bord Pleanála's ruling.