IMPACT slams planned closure of Harristown House

The IMPACT trade union has severely criticised the impending closure of the Harristown House residential treatment centre in Co Roscommon.

Staff at the addiction and counselling centre at Castlerea Prison were informed last night that the unit will be closed next month.

Around 20 jobs will be lost as a result.

Harristown House offers assistance to men referred by the Probation Service and other areas of the criminal justice system.

The facility is fully funded by the Probation and Welfare Service through an annual grant from the Department of Justice.

IMPACT fears its closure is part of the Government's Budget cutbacks and is seeking talks on the matter with representatives of the department.