Tabor Centre expands its main treatment centre in Cork due to "growing addiction issue"

A €4.8m expansion project of Cork’s main addiction treatment centre ‘Tabor Fellowship House’ was opened yesterday in response to the “growing addiction issue in Ireland as well as the increasing homelessness issue.” 

More than 300 clients are treated presently at the centre on Spur Hill, Doughcloyne, every year and this is to increase as the capacity at the centre more than doubles from 10 residents to 22 thanks to the support from The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government through Rebuilding Ireland, Cork County Council and the HSE with funding of €4.8 million.

The Tabor Group centre was opened by Tánaiste Simon Coveney in the presence of the County Mayor Patrick Gerard Murphy and Chairperson of the Tabor Group Denis Healy who called on the supporting bodies to fund further projects of this kind in Cork.

The development was built on the existing site of Tabor Fellowship House and will increase capacity from 10 residents to 22, completing a treatment programme.

The facility will also include an additional 11 units of accommodation for people who have completed their primary addiction programme but require a step-down model of independent living while having access to ongoing support and care.

Speaking at the opening Tánaiste Coveney said: “I am delighted to open the €4.8 million development of Tabor Fellowship House, which will see the service increase its capacity to provide both treatment and independent accommodation for over 30 people recovering from addiction.” 

The Tánaiste paid tribute to Tabor Group; “Tabor Group have played an important role in the treatment and rehabilitation of people with addictions for the last thirty years.” He concluded by saying the opening of the centre was “another significant milestone in Tabor Group’s 30-year journey,” and said that the project will be “a vital support for people addressing addiction problems in Cork and the wider community.” 

Outlining the benefits of Tabor Fellowship House development, Chairman of Tabor Group Denis Healy said: “We have been delivering addiction services in Cork since 1989. Over that time, the number of people needing our services has increased significantly and the profile of client presenting for help has evolved.

“Tabor Fellowship House provides the necessary extended treatment for those struggling with addiction and who are working towards independent living”.

“The aim of the programme is to build on and consolidate the work of the recovery programme which has already begun in primary treatment. The programme emphasises personal responsibility, peer support, lifestyle changes to help continue a healthy journey of recovery” Denis Healy said.

“We have highly skilled staff working with over 300 clients and their families each year. This state-of-the-art facility will allow us to meet the growing needs of people suffering from addiction and sets the foundation for future similar projects,” he added.

Speaking at opening Mayor Murphy praised Tabor Group for their work and commitment over the last 30-years.

“Cork County Council was the Sanctioning Authority for this project and assisted in securing the €4.8 million grant funding through the Capital Assistance Scheme. Such a partnership approach to the construction of these new housing units with Tabor Group is part of a wider housing programme that is being delivered throughout the county.”