Concern that older residents in this Kildare region are being ‘forgotten’

A public representative has voiced concerns that older residents in County Kildare are being 'forgotten'.

Sinn Féin’s Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh said today (November 3) that while she welcomed the news that a new nursing unit for St Vincent’s Hospital in Athy would be built, she also claimed there is a reluctance from the Health Service Executive (HSE) to "engage with older residents who live in the cottages near the site".

The TD for Kildare South added that all stakeholders "must be involved to ensure that the conditions of these cottages are improved".

Elaborating on her views, Deputy Ní Raghallaigh said: "I am particularly concerned [that] the older residents that live near the new hospital site have had little engagement with the HSE regarding the conditions their homes are in.

"While the HSE have said they are in discussions with an approved housing body in Carlow on numerous occasions, the conditions remain unchanged and hazardous to its older residents."

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She also sent in a photograph which she said was provided by one of the residents.

The photograph, which can be viewed below, appears to show mould inside the resident's home.

Photograph supplied by Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh

"I encourage all stakeholders, particularly the HSE, to ensure that these residents are not forgotten," she concluded.

The HSE has been contacted by the Leinster Leader in response to Deputy Ní Raghallaigh's claims.

Deputy Ní Raghallaigh also made headlines earlier today when she paid tribute to the late Ryan Gibbons (Ryan Weir Gibbons).

He was pronounced dead on October 30 last following an assault which took place in Kildare town on October 26 last.

Sinn Féin TD Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh (File photograph)

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