Work begins on Owenacurra rehabilitation unit

Works have begun on the site of the Owenacurra mental health centre, Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide has said, after years of delays.

The centre in Midleton provided long-stay residential mental-health care, until its closure in 2023. A parliamentary response in July 2023 said: “A goal of commencing building in quarter one, 2024, with a view to completion of the unit by quarter one, 2025, followed by a six-eight-week transition period, prior to occupation.” 

Earlier this year, the HSE told Mr Quaide construction was expected to commence in June 2025, and then July.

This week, he received confirmation that works on the 10-bed rehabilitative residential unit, in Midleton on the site of the Owenacurra facility, had begun. A HSE spokesperson said: “The commencement of the new build was delayed due to several factors. The primary cause of delay was the necessity for a full redesign, following the major flooding event in Midleton in October 2023.

“The HSE is currently advancing the updated design process to ensure that the new facility is constructed with enhanced flood-protection measures. These include raised floor levels, ramp access, and other flood-resilience elements. Additional site investigations revealed poor ground conditions, necessitating a significant redesign of the foundation structure. To address these challenges, the project has integrated ‘modern methods of construction’ aimed at reducing both the construction and operational carbon footprint of the facility.”

The progress was also hindered by discrepancies in the legal folio boundaries, but confirmed “preparatory works have started on site, and the demolition contractor is due to commence on site” on August 5.

Mr Quaide welcomed the news, telling The Echo: “After an epic struggle spanning several years and many delays since, it’s a relief to hear that preparatory works on the Owenacurra centre rebuild have finally commenced.”