€14m investment for mental health services in Midleton

AN investment of over €14 million is to be made by the HSE in mental health services in Midleton, including a replacement new build on the site of the Owenacurra Centre.

Social Democrats councillor for East Cork Laim Quaide has campaigned for mental health service provision to remain in Midleton since residents were informed in June 2021 that the centre would be closed on a phased basis. Earlier this year, following a long campaign to save Owenacurra and its services, the County Council granted permission for a new 10-bed mental health community rehabilitation residence on the site of the Owenacurra Centre.

In response to a Parliamentary Question (PQ) submitted by Green Party TD Neasa Hourigan who has worked alongside Mr Quaide on the Owenacurra campaign, the HSE confirmed that the current projected cost of building the new residential mental health facility on the site of the Owenacurra Centre is an estimated €12.70 million.

In addition to this new build, the HSE has acquired and refurbished two properties in Midleton, for which the current projected estimated cost is €1.865 million, bringing the total investment by the HSE into replacement mental health services in the area to €14.5 million. The two additional properties in Midleton will house a further six residents, three residents in each facility.

Speaking to The Echo, Mr Quaide welcomed the 16 long-term 24-hour staffed placements for people with the highest level of need in the community.

“These services will bring sixteen 24-hour staffed placements to East Cork, as well as local employment for clinical, catering and housekeeping staff.”

He said the provision of new services in Midleton will also bring “significant local employment” in the form of clinical, catering and housekeeping staff.

Mr Quaide raised concerns, however, about the commencement timeframe of the new build which has been pushed forward from Q1 of this year to Q4.

Last July, the HSE had a goal of commencing building in Q1, 2024 with a view to completion of the unit by Q1, 2025, followed by a size to eight transition period prior to occupation.

“There’s been no consultation with public reps on this and there’s no explanation to date on what this is the case,” Mr Quaide said.

Both Mr Quaide and Ms Hourigan are due to meet Regional Executive Officer Dr Andy Phillips on Thursday, June 13.