Roscrea's Dean Maxwell families welcome new building announcement

News that a suitable site for the new €50-million Dean Maxwell Community Nursing Home in Roscrea has been identified was warmly welcomed in Roscrea this week.

The new 52 bed facility will be constructed in Roscrea’s Ayr Hill / New Road area, close to the current nursing home which has played an important role for generations of families in Roscrea and surrounding areas.

The Dean Maxwell families group have welcomed the announcement from North Tipperary Deputy Michael Lowry and Roscrea based Councillor Shane Lee that a site has been identified for the new Dean Maxwell in Roscrea.

A spokesperson said: “The announcement from Deputy Michael Lowry and Cllr Shane Lee that a site has been identified for the new Dean Maxwell is a very positive and welcome step in efforts to secure a replacement for the current nursing home.

“The current Dean Maxwell, which has cared for the people of Roscrea and beyond for more than 50 years, had been facing the prospect of closure due to modern residential care building standard requirements.

“However, the campaign to save the Dean Maxwell has received tremendous support from across the whole community for many years. Roscrea people wanted to ensure that the legacy of care, kindness and attention—which is the hallmark of the staff who are the beating heart of the Dean Maxwell—continued,” the spokesperson told the Tribune.

“The welcome news is that the new 52-bed home will not only replace the existing number of beds at the Dean Maxwell but double it and will cater for an increasing population that we have in the town and surrounding areas.

“It means people won’t have to move to far-flung areas should they need nursing home support, that they can continue to live in the town, and that they can have family and friends visit with ease.

“We thank Deputy Lowry and Cllr Lee for their ongoing support and commitment to our common cause in making this announcement.

“We look forward to working with everyone involved to ensure that residents, families and staff can offer input into the design and development of what will be residents’ new home from home.

“In that way, we can ensure that the Dean Maxwell ethos continues to survive and thrive for many years to come.”