Tipperary nursing home's future a step closer to being safeguarded, says Deputy Lowry

The long-held hope that elderly people from Roscrea and its hinterland can enjoy their golden years in their own town has come even closer to reality, according to Deputy Michael Lowry.

"I am happy to report, that there has been a significant breakthrough. I can confirm, the all-important news that Roscrea is now officially included for substantial investment in the National Development Plan about to be published.

"The plan will state 'that the purchase of Mount Carmel site and facilities will be funded and completed in 2023 subject to due diligence. That the existing Dean Maxwell be refurbished and repurposed as part of an overall service plan for the Roscrea area'."

Deputy Lowry said that he had made it my political priority to redress the injustice done to the people of Roscrea when the last HSE plan was formulated.

"I have invested huge amount of time and political capital to delivering a solution for elderly care in Roscrea. It has taken a great deal of work, cooperation, negotiation to reach this stage. With the unfailing support and trust of the local committee, I have pushed this project at every opportunity and thankfully doors have opened to me with a positive result," he said.

Deputy Lowry said that the key to the long-term continuation of elderly care in Roscrea was the purchase by the HSE of the Mount Carmel complex, which includes the current nursing home and adjacent buildings.

The convent will be vacated to provide for the provision of additional accommodation. A small parcel of land will also be available for expansion. The entire facility will become a community care centre under the management of the HSE. Staff currently working at Mount Carmel will come under the auspices of the HSE, said Deputy Lowry.

"Sadly, this will result in the end of an era for the Sisters of Marie Madeline Postel. However, they are very happy with the current plans and the fact that the facilities they have created will be used for the good of the people in Roscrea," he said.