Funds secured to keep mental health services in Clondalkin instead of relocating to Tallaght
By Maurice Garvey
THE HSE has confirmed mental health services will remain in Clondalkin, and announced funding is in place for a new premises, reports Maurice Garvey.
In March, the HSE were set to ‘temporarily relocate’ mental health services from Clondalkin Village to Tallaght until a new primary care centre was built on Boot Road, due to ‘health and safety risks’ associated with the current building at Orchard Road.
Clondalkin Mental Health office
This led to fierce criticism and lobbying by industry workers in Dublin 22, over the risks posed to 2,500 vulnerable service users in Clondalkin, with work yet to even start on the Boot Road facility.
Sinn Féin TD Eoin Ó Broin welcomed HSE confirmation this week “on foot of requests to the HSE to secure a new property, followed up by strong lobbying from service users, the wider community and local politicians.”
“The service will move to Steeple House, Ninth Lock Road, once the redevelopment of the building has taken place. Currently, there is no commencement or completion dates for these works but I intend to keep a close eye on developments.”
In response to Deputy Ó Broin, Karen Brady, Head of Mental Health, confirmed the approval of funding by the HSE to enter into an agreement for lease with the proposers of the Steeple House redevelopment.
She said: “The proposer of the project is currently in the process of concluding the purchase of the building and tendering the project.
“Once this is confirmed, the HSE will enter into the agreement for lease. The commencement of the works at Steeple are dependent on the proposer closing out the purchase and tendering. Therefore, at this time, the HSE cannot confirm any commencement date or completion date for works.”
Ms Brady said current services will remain at Orchard Road until the new premises is complete.
An alternative back up location has been identified if the Steeple House proposer does not commence the development.
