Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Deputy Pearse Doherty has welcomed confirmation from the HSE that a long awaited business case for capital funding to redevelop the former Cleary Centre building in Donegal Town has now been formally finalized.
The proposals, if approved, would see existing adult day services currently located in the Victor Complex and St Agnes Day Centre housed in a newly built facility on the site.
The plans have now been submitted to the HSE’s North West Estates Department after which it’s expected that a full capital submission for project will be sent for assessment to the HSE National Steering Group for consideration as part of the executive’s Capital Plan.
Deputy Doherty has welcomed the announcement, but has once again stated that on-going and continued consultation and collaboration with the Parents and Friends Committee must be taken onboard by the HSE as the process to redevelop the site remains on-going.
Deputy Doherty said:“I very much welcome the confirmation received this morning (Thursday) that the HSE has confirmed that the business case for the new Cleary Centre building has been finalised by HSE disability services.
“It’s understood that, as part of the plans to redevelop the building, it’s proposed to amalgamate adult day services presently housed at the Victor Building complex and at St Agnes’ Day Centre in the town.
“The Plans have been sent to HSE Estates for the northwest region, and a full capital submission will then be provided to the HSE National Capital Stering Group where the project will be considered as part of the mid-term review of the HSE’s capital plan.
“While of course this progress is to be welcomed, I think it’s vital that the HSE continue to engage fully with the Parents and Friends’ Committee, the members of which have been crucial in steering this project forward and have worked tirelessly to get the plans progressed.
“At all times, the group has acted in the interest of the service users of both the former Clearly centre and at St Agnes’ Day Centre to ensure that the needs of clients are met, and I believe that the HSE must continue to listen to their views as the plans continue to progress thorough the formal planning process and the finer details are teased out.
“I am happy to continue to work closely alongside all stakeholders to ensure that a modern, fit-for-purpose facility is delivered for adults with intellectual disabilities in the region.”
