Three Day Care Centres currently not in use are expected to re-open in the coming weeks – though there is considerable frustration at the lack of clarity around the facility in Abbeyleix.
Laois Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley said je has received an update this week from the Department of Health and the HSE regarding the reopening of the three Day Care Centres in Laois.
“This has been long awaited and overdue,” said Deputy Stanley in a statement.
“The news is relatively positive as two centres are planned to reopen within the next six weeks
“The HSE informed me that works in the Portlaoise centre is almost complete and is planned to reopen on June 27.
“They state the renovation works in Mountmellick is near completion and the projected date for reopening is July 11.’’
“The update on reopening Abbeyleix is less certain as the HSE state: ‘When current reconfiguration works are complete at Abbeyleix the HSE proposes to reopen the day care centre in part of the building as an interm measure. However, the HSE are working to source suitable accommodation in Abbeyleix to provide the day service in the long term, in conjunction with a revised Development Control Plan for the site.’
“At a recent meeting with the HSE we were informed that the Abbeyleix Centre would reopen in the second quarter of this year and it is important this timeline is met by the 30th June,” added Deputy Stanley.
“I expressed a strong view to them that the centre should be retained permanently at the Hospital and not relocated to another building in the town. This would keep all facilities in the one site.’
“The importance that these centres are fully opened can’t be overstated as hundreds of elderly people depend on them. They are vital to countering isolation and providing older persons services and a social outlet.”
At the May meeting of Laois County Council this week, Cllr Barry Walsh expressed his frustration over the lack of clarity in Abbeyleix.
A newly co-opted councillor, he said that “while I’m new to politics, I know that if you don’t keep the pressure on, nothing will happen”.
“In the case of Abbeyleix a commitment was given at the last meeting with the HSE that existing day care unit would open straight away as there was only bits of lino and small works to be completed,” he said in the council.
“A commitment was also given that the new section would be open by the end of the second quarter (end of June). No works are completed on this to date.
“It seems to me that the HSE think that once an answer is given to a query that the issue goes away and is resolved without any action. This is totally unacceptable.
“I read recently an inconclusive statement … which gave an update with no real clarity regarding Abbeyleix.
“I’d question how firm the re-opening dates are. I’d like to see definitive dates for people who have been waiting a long time to access these services.
“They deserve that certainty. It’s my belief that we as councillors are duty bound to keep the pressure on and I’m calling on my fellow councillors to get behind this to help achieve a favourable outcome.
“I also note that they may be looking at alternative accommodation for the day care centre in Abbeyleix.
“If that’s the case then the report from the HSE should state the rationale for same the timelines involved in sourcing such a property and assurances that anyone utilising the service won’t be unduly impacted.”
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