Criticism at movement of Kildare care services
Ballyteague GAA
THE two kilometre move of Allenwood day care services from Ballyteague GAA to Kilmeague has been criticised by Senator Fiona O’Loughlin.
Last week Senator O’Loughlin wrote to the HSE seeking intervention to help assist and protect the service following a decision to close the service next month.
“I believe it was a very harsh decision, to close the centre and review their operations without having alternative arrangements in place,” she said.
“It is the completely wrong decision in my view, announced the week before Christmas, leaving families devastated,” she continued.
“I have been in contact with the HSE, who have said they have written to St Vincent De Paul to request that this service is maintained pending further discussions to also give the HSE time to find an alternative service provider should St. Vincent De Paul decide to cease delivering the service permanently.
“I am informed that it was agreed in a meeting on the 6 December that the Day Care service would remain open in January 2025 to ensure continuity of this vital service pending further discussions, and I would hope that this will be the case.
“Allenwood Day care centre, which is and has been a wonderful community facility has been operating from Ballyteague GFC for many years.
“I totally disagree with the harsh decision made by SVP to disband the local committee.
I understand the disagreement and conflict was in relation to the proposal to move the daycare service to a new premises in Kilmeague.
A reply to Senator O’Loughlin came from Lorraine Kennedy, the HSE’s head of Older Person Services.
“Allenwood Day Care Centre is managed, operated and governed by St Vincent De Paul.
“It is currently operating from Ballyteague GAA Club until the renovation works in Kilmeague Primary Care Centre are completed in 2025.
“The HSE funds St Vincent De Paul to deliver Day Care and Meals on Wheels in the Allenwood and surrounding area.
“St. Vincent de Paul contacted the HSE in November to advise that they no longer had a board in place but they have a service manager for Allenwood Day Care Centre.
“It was agreed in a meeting in December that the service would remain open in January 2025 to ensure continuity of this vital service pending further discussions”.
