MINISTER SANCTIONS FUNDING TO TOGHERMORE TO ADDRESS URGENT FIRE SAFETY ISSUES

Date Published: 17-Jan-2013

The immediate threat of relocation for residents at Toghermore House in Tuam has now been lifted following intervention by the Minister for Health.

Minister of State Ciaran Cannon says Dr. James Reilly has today issued an instruction to the HSE to allocate funding to address fire safety issues at the 18 bed residential facility.

The decision to wind down the facility was taken last month (Dec) after an independent fire and safety report revealed fire safety shortfalls.

The funding will facilitate works on the most urgent fire safety issues and will begin shortly.

While the immediate fire safety issues are addressed, a consultation process will take place with the HSE, the Mental Health Commission, patients and their families.

Speaking on Galway Talks, Minister Cannon says while the initial decision to move residents for their own safety was the right one, the extra funding will now mean that immediate relocation is no longer required.