The Southern Health Board confirmed it has bought the Farm Centre building in Wilton Road, Cork, for £3.65 million as an administrative headquarters. It had contracted to buy the building, where it has been renting accommodation for 24 years, after board members voted overwhelming for the proposal.
The board's chief executive, Mr Sean Hurley, said the purchase would result in significant savings for the board, which was paying £300,000 a year in rent.
A Labour councillor, Mr Joe Sherlock, who proposed the purchase when it was presented at this week's board meeting, welcomed the decision.
However, the Cork North Central TD, Mr Bernard Allen (FG), who was the sole dissenting voice on the vote, said the purchase was rushed and marked a U-turn by the board's management.