Anger as thugs ransack surgery during break-in
By Aideen O'Flaherty
GP SERVICES in the Mary Mercer Health Centre in Jobstown have been temporarily relocated to Tallaght Cross, as the GP surgery in the centre was ransacked during a break-in in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Nothing was taken during the break-in, however the centre was damaged and it is expected the GP section of the centre will be closed for several days.
The Mary Mercer Health Centre
Dr Tom O’Dowd, a GP who has practised in Mary Mercer since it opened in 2001, told The Echo that the GP surgery in the centre is open on weekday mornings and sees approximately 35 patients come through its doors each day – meaning that over 200 people will be discommoded in the coming days.
Dr O’Dowd, who also practices in Tallaght Cross, told The Echo: “People will be discommoded because of this, and some of them are very vulnerable people.”
Commenting on CCTV that was captured during the break-in, Dr O’Dowd added: “It’s upsetting to see such wanton disregard for property and patient details, which were left strewn around the floor.
“If anybody in the community knows anything about this, I’d appreciate it if they could tell the gardai.
“I feel bad for all of the people in Jobstown, for whom the centre is a lifeline.”
As reported in The Echo last year, the centre was burgled and “substantial damage” was caused over the weekend of Storm Emma, when there was heavy snowfall, and the centre was closed to the public for three days so repairs could be carried out.
Dr O’Dowd said: “People are very upset for us, but we’ve received huge support from the community.”
A garda spokesperson told The Echo: “Gardai are investigating an alleged burglary that occurred in a Service Centre in Tallaght, Dublin 24 on May 4, 2019, between the hours of 3.30 and 4.30am.
“The centre was entered and room ransacked, damage done to centre, no items taken. Investigations are ongoing.”
A spokesperson for the HSE was contacted for comment, but a response was not received in time for print.
Anybody who has information that may assist gardai with their investigation is encouraged to contact Tallaght Garda Station on 01 666 6000.
TAGS Tallaght
