Not for the first time in a festering stand-off over the long-term future of the St Mary of the Angels facility in Beaufort, the matter has been raised at a high level in the corridors of power.
Kerry TD Danny Healy-Rae has brought the issue to the attention of the Minister of State with specific responsibility for disability, Anne Rabbitte, and he asked that the residential quarters in Beaufort be developed as opposed to being long-fingered for closure.
“We have a lack of residential care places for people with disabilities in Kerry and there was some mention in the Budget that there would be 90 new centres opened.
“We have a centre for many years in Kerry in Whitefield, Beaufort but, sadly now, it is being closed by stealth and when a patient dies that bed is being closed down and is not being used anymore,” he complained.
The Kerry politician said he understands the argument against dormitory-style beds but new separate accommodation could be built on the grounds.
“There is acres of land there and the peace and tranquillity of the place and the expertise of the care workers that are working there couldn’t be touched anywhere else,” Deputy Healy-Rae said.
“There is a need for a place like this where there are pools and therapies of all types to be had and it’s being closed by stealth,” he added.
Deputy Healy-Rae said the land was initially donated by the Doyle family and great fundraising campaigns and voluntary work has gone on over the years.
“We can’t let the place close down,” said the Kerry TD who pleaded with Minister Rabbitte to intervene.
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