FINANCE MINISTER URGED TO INTERVENE WITH CITY ALZHEIMERS CENTRE

Date Published: 20-Dec-2011

The Finance Minister, Michael Noonan needs to intervene to ensure that a new unit for the Western Alzheimers Association is built in the city.

The 3 million euro project is in danger of being lost to the city because of a leasing problem with the Health Service Executive.

The 22-bed respite centre for alzheimers sufferers has been granted planning permission for an HSE-owned site at Merlin Park.

The Alzheimers Association wants a 25 year lease for the site, but the HSE will only agree to a 10 year lease.

Councillor Terry O' Flaherty says she's also calling on the Health Minister, Dr. James Reilly to intervene with the HSE.

This means that seeking funding for the project is proving difficult as the Alzheimers Association can't use the lease as collateral for financial institutions.

Chairperson of the Western Alzheimers Association, Eamon Bradshaw says Minister Noonan needs to intervene.