HSE unable to provide figures on cost of renovating Cork mental health centre

Dr Sinead O’Brien said suitable options in East Cork are being “explored” as placements for the residents of Midleton's Owenacurra centre

The Owenacurra Centre in Midleton, which is scheduled to close by the end of October.

The HSE has insisted it is not practical to rebuild or renovate an under-threat mental health centre in Cork, but officials were unable to provide figures on the cost of such a project.

Addressing the Oireachtas sub-committee on mental health on Tuesday, representatives of HSE Cork/Kerry community healthcare said the decision to close the Owenacurra centre in Midleton at the end of October was “not taken lightly.” Committee members urged that the closure be delayed as families and medical experts have called for Owenacurra's services – residential, day and respite – to be re-housed instead of shut down.