A Steering Group is hoping to make a submission for the Abbeyleix site to be included in the National Capital Funding Plan which will become available after 2021.
“This is the big problem,” said Deputy Sean Fleming. “While plans are being worked on, there is no indication there is any funding for capital works in Abbeyleix before 2021.
“In the meantime I am asking the Working Group and the steering committee to finish their work as urgently as possible, so that a case can be made to bring forward the Capital funding at an earlier date.
“The Working Group has been examining a number of issues including reviewing of the availability of transitional care beds, rehab care beds, short term beds, supported housing on the Abbeyleix grounds, dementia specific care, support for people with disabilities and those with primary care and mental health needs and work in support partnership with Portlaoise Hospital.”
A Site Development Steering Group was established and they met on May 4 and September 14 and they have another meeting schedule for February 2019.
Arising from this they established a Working Group, who are to carry out work and report back to the Steering Group. To date this working group has met on August 29 and November 20 and their next meeting is scheduled for 5th February 2019.
After this they will prepare a report for the Steering Group, who will examine the findings of the Working Group.
