HSE seeking to build high support community residence in Tullamore

The Health Service Executive is planning to build a high support community residence at the HSE campus on Arden Road, in Tullamore.

The single storey development will comprise eight ensuite bedrooms, kitchen, dining room, three living rooms, and associated support accommodation including clinical room, staff office, staff changing, storage and plant rooms. The development also includes two one-bedroom apartments.

The new residence will involve the demolition of an existing administration single storey building and the removal of two temporary buildings which were placed on the site during Covid-19.

The facility will replace the current residence in the adjacent building known as Birchwood House.

The proposed works include alterations to the existing car park and will result in the loss of 17 car parking spaces. New bicycle stands, paving, landscaping and a new pedestrian path to the rear of Birchwood House connecting to the Arden Road will be constructed.

The existing facility was opened in 1991 and at the time of an inspection carried out by the Mental Health Services which was published in 2019 there were 14 beds in the building. The house comprised seven twin bedrooms with separate toilet and bathroom facilities.

A number of recommendations made at that time by the Mental Health Services inspector included the advice that residents should have access to single accommodation. The inspector said that the residence used mobile privacy screens between beds and they could be a trip hazard for those residents with poor vision.

The HSE has given notice that it intends to apply to Offaly County Council for planning permission for the development.