Longford IPAS apartments: 14 page inspection report released

The results of an IPAS inspection of Longford’s Bridge Street Apartments, carried out to ensure the accommodation provider’s compliance with agreed contractual standards, have been released.

During the inspection on June 10 last, the apartments, described in the report as “independent living, own apartment”, were reported to be operating at their contracted occupancy level of 68 residents.

Details regarding the profile of the 68 residents, whether they are single occupants or families, were withheld from public view. In the section titled ‘Centre Profile (Singles, Families etc)’ the information was blacked out prior to the report being released.

The IPAS inspection report also examined how financial support for residents was managed in self-catering accommodation. The questionnaire asked whether it was provided through vouchers or rechargeable debit cards.

The information entered into the report reads, “Card issues for points”, meaning residents are provided with cards that are topped up with points/credit to use for purchases.

Under the section titled, ‘Resident Comfort’, the report confirmed electric heating was provided at timed periods throughout the day.

When asked if there is a specific TV system in place, the report ticked ‘Smart TV.’

In response to the question, “Are tea/coffee/drinking water and healthy snacks available 24/7?” the reply stated it was not applicable as the centre was “own door living.”

The report went on to ask about the meal arrangements that are “available to late arrivals, either when kitchen closed, or shops are closed?” to which the provider confirmed, “Manager can organise as available.”

Within the section ‘Resident Wellbeing’, the report asked what items were being provided free of charge.

The ‘yes’ box was ticked for the following items: feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, baby nappies, baby formula and baby lotions.

The ‘no’ box was ticked for: shampoo, hand soap, shower gel, toothpaste, toothbrushes, children toothbrushes, and laundry powder/tablets/liquid.

The inspection report also confirmed that the centre supplied cleaning materials and equipment for residents to use

With regard to the procedure for accessing these items, the report stated: “Management top up their Soldo card for supplies and equipment required. Also cleaning items available from managers office.”

A Soldo card is a prepaid payment card system used by organisations to provide and manage allocated funds.

The section of the report which recorded details of two fire drills carried out last year showed there were 40 residents in December 2025, 6 of whom were pregnant. The inspection records 50 residents being present when a fire drill was carried out seven months earlier.

Within the section concerning ‘Interior Communal Areas/Corridors’, the inspector included the comment, “Stairs and landing would benefit from a good dusting down”

The section titled ‘Laundry Area’, the report asked, “what procedure is in place for exchange/replacement of new towels and bed linen?” to which the reply read, “Towels replaced as required. Bed lined replaced every six months.”

Within the category, ‘Sanitary Provisions’, the report confirmed the residents had access to 33 “wash hand basins with 24/7 hot and cold water available” and 33 “showers with 24/7 hot and cold water with closable door or cubicle.”

In the section concerning self catering facilities, the report confirmed there were “adequate facilities for the preparation and cooking of food. (1 station per 15 residents)” It also recorded the provision of 20 stations.

The inspection report went on to confirm that each cooking station within the centre included the following facilities: oven, hob, sink, counter area, pots, pans, utensils, crockery, cutlery, 24/7 hot and cold water, extractor fan, microwave, toaster, kettle, adequate cleaning equipment.

The inspection confirmed that each resident had “access to adequate dry food, fridge and freezer storage.”

Leaving no stone unturned, the report also went on to ask, “is the dining space for residents within reasonable proximity of the cooking facilities?” to which the ‘yes’ box was ticked in response.

The section titled ‘fully catered’ asked detailed questions including: “Are residents consulted regarding menu/dietary requests?”, “Is the menu cycle on display?”, “Describe food provided for children's packed lunches etc.”, and “Were appropriate fresh foods available for infants?”

The report also asks the inspector, “In your opinion, does the food on offer appear to provide good variety?” “What provisions are made during Ramadan?” and, “What arrangements are made for residents who were not present during mealtimes due to exceptional circumstances?”

As the Bridge Street Apartments are categorised as independent living, these questions did not apply.

The inspection report confirmed the presence “24/7 PSA licenced security staff.”

When asked to “confirm 24-hour staff supervision is in place?” the box indicating ‘no’ was ticked while an additional response to the question was withheld from public view.

The inspection report also confirmed residents had their own key cards to the main door and were allowed visitors.

Beside the question, “What arrangements are in place if rooms are not cleaned sufficiently?” the response said, “Education, training, assistance, verbal warning and written warning.”

At the end of the report, a risk/action tracking table listed a series of potential issues for the inspector to assess, along with a colour-coded system to indicate their level of urgency and a column for ‘contractor’s comments’.

In the section concerning ‘Security and Staffing’, the released copy of the inspection report contained comments in the designated column that were withheld from public view. The reason for this redaction however was not provided in the document.

In concluding the report, the inspector wrote, “Staff were friendly and professional. Mould issue being addressed. Some rooms need additional cleaning. Residents seemed happy. Maintenance works ongoing for upgrade and rectification work was seen during the inspection.”