Cancer group applies to convert former library into support centre

An east Cork cancer support group is to lodge a planning application this week to convert a former library into a treatment and drop-in centre for those affected by the disease.

The Youghal Cancer Support Group board of trustees approved the application after viewing proposed plans presented to them by James Corcoran of CEA engineering and architects and engineering firm.

It is hoped that work on converting the two-storey, town-centre building at Church Street will begin “very early next year”, according to Youghal Cancer Support Group chairwoman and project manager, Therése O’Connell. Ms O’Connell founded the voluntary group seven years ago after surviving cancer herself.

The service will provide information, transport, social events, and qualified counselling for cancer sufferers and their families. It will also embrace a holistic approach, providing massage therapy, meditation, yoga, and other alternative treatments, while operating in conjunction with HSE approval and prescribed medical treatments.

The facility, to be known as Cuan House Cancer Support Centre (Cuan being Gaelic for ‘haven’) will feature a reception area; five treatment rooms; training room, living/multi-functional room, courtyard and storage areas. The ground-floor multifunctional area will enable clients to engage in light social activities with friends or family.

Ms O’Connell believes the service “will alleviate the need for many cancer sufferers and their families in the east Cork/west Waterford region to travel difficult and tiring journeys to Cork or Waterford cities” for care and attention.

The project has reached this stage after over six years of fundraising on the back of immense community goodwill.

One of the more high-profile events was the immensely successful celebrity event run in conjunction with a regional farmers group at a packed Dungarvan Mart in February 2013, in which Late Late Show presenter Ryan Tubridy auctioned off his bovine namesake.

More than 140 animals were donated for auction on a day that raised the campaign to a national level and contributed enormously towards the purchase of the building from Cork County Council.