'The battle to save Roscrea’s Dean Maxwell Home has been won'

Roscrea is rejoicing today after yesterday's news that €23-million has been secured to create a new facility which will care the name Dean Maxwell into the future - a name synonymous with superb care and compassion in Roscrea.

Local Roscrea based Tipperary County Councillor, Shane Lee, told the Tribune the news has received a resounding welcome in Roscrea, where for almost two decades a concerted campaign was mounted to save and improve the facility.

"The Dean Maxwell Nursing Home is more than just a care facility to the people of Roscrea and the surrounding area. It has been a home away from home for local people," Cllr. Lee said.

"Dean Maxwell is a place where many of our elderly folk spend their precious golden years.

"It’s a place filled with chat and laughter, a place of calm and security, a place where stories are shared, where friendship and companionship are enjoyed," Cllr. Lee said.

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When a threat to its future was posed, there was an outcry in the town he recalled and said "local people rose up and defied the threat – the battle was on to save Dean Maxwell! And that battle has been won!"

Cllr. Lee said t announcement on Tuesday that €23-million is being allocated in the current HSE Annual Capital Programme for the provision of a new 50-bed Nursing Home that will provide both long and short-term Elderly Care, Respite and Palliative Care has received a widespread welcome.

The new Dean Maxwell will be built on a greenfield site, ensuring it is ultra-modern and meets the varied needs of those requiring care.

News on the location of this site is imminent, as negotiations are nearing completion.

"I have been engaged with this issue since it began and, while many people may have believed that saving the Dean Maxwell Home was a lost cause, I have remained staunchly positive that this day and this announcement would come.

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"I am grateful for the ongoing commitment and determination of Deputy Michael Lowry to ensure the future of the Dean Maxwell Home.

"To those who served with us on the local committee, including John Lupton, Liam Shanahan and the Late Steve Crofton, this has been a long and hard-fought battle, which makes the news of this success all the sweeter.

"Roscrea will always be a priority for me and I will always fight tooth and nail for my hometown," Cllr. Lee said.