The Loughrea Concerned Citizens Group has welcomed the confirmation by the HSE at last week’s Joint Oireachtas Petitions Committee meeting that they are reviewing options to re-open the purpose built Seven Springs Day Centre.
The new Chief Officer of CO2 Healthcare West, John Fitzmaurice, has confirmed that he has made new proposals to HIQA to allow the re-opening of the Seven Springs Day Centre.
The Loughrea Concerned Citizens Group has welcomed this positive move and have welcomed the fact that the HSE continues to liaise with the group.
The Group also has acknowledged the contribution by Deputy Sean Canney at the committee hearing and his ongoing support and that of Cllr Geraldine Donohue for the reopening of the Seven Springs Day Centre.
So far, the decision by the HSE not to re-open the Seven Springs Day Centre has cost money. They have rented accommodation in the local hotel at a cost which is not known. This was first to be for a period of four months commencing in September 2022 and has now been extended to the end of October 2023.
John Fitzmaurice also confirmed at the Committee meeting that the proposals to refurbish the existing workhouse at a cost of €1 million has been paused pending the outcome of his proposals sent to HIQA.
The purpose built Seven Springs Day Centre was opened in 2011 and was funded in part by the Toppings Trust and local contributions.
It is a flagship facility, and it has been enjoyed and much appreciated by many local people. Hopefully it will be back in use in the very near future.
The members of the Group who attended the Committee meeting were also informed that there is a developing proposal to establish an Information Hub on the campus to assist Older People with sourcing information and advice.
