Knockamann serving its residents well

I REFER to the article that carries Dr McClean of the Brothers of Charity’s opinion on Knockamann, Portrane, in the Irish Examiner (April 18).

When the village complex now known as Knockamann was first contemplated, the client population of St Joseph’s Service on St Ita’s campus was 200. Most of these lived in completely unsuitable old psychiatric buildings.

Many of them were of a very high dependency level, some having come from, and some rejected by, voluntary organisations unable to cope with them. Our association vigorously campaigned for complete vacation of these old buildings. A purpose-built centre for 30 clients was opened in Clonmethon, Oldtown in 2002.