BREAKING: 'New Dean Maxwell' for Roscrea confirmed

After over two decades of campaigning and times when it appeared the worst may happen, a new state-of-the-art Community Nursing Home for Roscrea has been confirmed.

Described as a "new Dean Maxwell" the €23-million public nursing home for Roscrea is included in the Health Service Executive's (HSE) program of capital works and finding a suitable location for the new facility was proving difficult.

Speaking on Tuesday in Roscrea, Deputy Michael Lowry said he was thrilled to announce that the Government confirmed the inclusion of Roscrea in the current HSE capital programme.

"Roscrea will get a brand-new Dean Maxwell at a cost of €23-million," Deputy Lowry said.

The new 50 bed unit, which will be constructed on a green field site, will provide for long stay, short stay, respite and palliative care.

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In recent months, five sites have been assessed for suitability, two were deemed suitable, and negotiations for the preferred option are in the final stages of completion, Deputy Lowry confirmed.

The existing Dean Maxwell will continue in full service in the interim and on completion of the new project will be repurposed to create a modern day-care centre.

"This is a superb outcome and a wonderful day for Roscrea and its people," Deputy Lowry said.

"For me personally, making the difference on such a vital and cherished facility, is rewarding and makes the struggle of politics worthwhile.

"The last healthcare development plan had devastating consequences for Roscrea. Dean Maxwell was to be robbed of its 25 beds with patients transferred to Nenagh. It was a political sell out.

"At that time, I gave a public commitment to stop this closure. After huge pressure and with the support of the community we managed to keep this valued and much-loved facility open," he said.

Deputy Lowry concluded that the provision of this new modern 50 bed unit ends the uncertainty.

"It will provide the residential care which was demanded and deserved by the people of Roscrea and the surrounding areas," he said.

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Meanwhile, there was also good news for Nenagh on Tuesday with the announcement the Government have included Nenagh Hospital for expansion in the current HSE capital programme.

Nenagh hospital has been approved for a new 50 bed acute unit to replace the existing 25 bed male ward.

Funding, estimated at €26-million, will be included in the capital plan for this project. The design concept is well advanced, and the project will be progressed as a priority.

The Nenagh unit together with the other additional beds across Limerick and Clare will assist in alleviating the chronic overcrowding at UHL.

"I have always been a friend to Nenagh hospital which has been transformed from a time when its very future was under threat to now being a central and key facility in the delivery of health care to the people of North Tipperary," Deputy Michael Lowry said.

"This multi million investment is another milestone in the development and expansion of the hospital.

"I wish to thank the management and staff at the hospital for their perseverance under enormous pressure and for the wonderful care and attention given to patients," Deputy Lowry said.