Leas Cross set to fetch €10m in sale to British nursing home operator

A SALE has been agreed on the controversial Leas Cross nursing home, which was exposed last year as providing sub-standard care. It is believed the site sold for at least €10 million.

The north Dublin facility has been on the market for over 14 months since it was closed down. Its auctioneers yesterday confirmed the sale, adding that the property has a number of options for developments.

“A sale has been agreed, it took some time, but one has been agreed,” said Joe Morton with auctioneers Morton and Flanagan, based in Swords.

An RTÉ expose in 2005 alleged maltreatment at the care centre where the deaths of 95 residents have been investigated. The reports into the 111-bed facility, including one by renowned geriatrician Des O’Neill, however are being withheld by health authorities.

Leas Cross was valued at up to €5 million last year. The site, which includes at least 4.5 acres of land, has extensive facilities for healthcare.

A package of extra land, to act as an incentive, was being advocated by Leas Cross’s sellers recently for further development.

The facility has 77 bedrooms, including twins and singles with 28 en-suite rooms.

There are six separate sitting areas, three dining rooms, closed circuit TV and a nurse call system. The building was converted from office use in 1997.

Owner John Aherne was forced to close the home after the Health Service Executive (HSE) said it was “appalled” by conditions there. The Taoiseach alleged health chiefs had been “duped” by promises at Leas Cross to overhaul its services.

The Irish Examiner has learnt though that an independent report, compiled on behalf of Leas Cross owner Mr Aherne, was being handed to prospective buyers in recent months.

“This includes details about patients files with permission from families,” confirmed auctioneer Joe Morton.

Mr Morton refused to confirm the sale price agreed for Leas Cross. According to property sources, however, the home is on the point of being sold for between €10m and €12m.

The prospective buyer of the north county Dublin nursing home is a British nursing homes operator, according to sources in the commercial property market.

Previous valuations of the Leas Cross property, on valuable grounds in Swords, had indicated a value around €5m, but, despite the notoriety garnered by the Prime Time expose, and the subsequent closure and investigation of the home, it appears to have found a buyer.

Meanwhile, the HSE has released inspection reports of nursing homes for the first time on its website.

However, despite six counties being listed in the initiative, only 19 home reports were accessible yesterday.

In a statement, the HSE said: “The reports are based on inspections carried out since July and reflect the new inspection process that was introduced at that time.

“On that basis, as inspections are carried out and reports completed, they will be published.”