HSE faces mounting backlash over west Wicklow day care service relocation
The Wicklow PeopleA deepening dispute has emerged in Blessington as the Health Service Executive (HSE) moves ahead with plans to relocate the town’s long‑established day care service for older people from the Coimín Centre to an upstairs room in the Blessington Primary Care Centre.
The decision has triggered widespread concern among families, local representatives and members of the new Blessington Older Persons Committee, who argue that the proposed interim location is unsuitable, unsafe and unnecessary.
The HSE, however, maintains that the move is essential, compliant with all regulations and part of a broader plan to deliver a permanent, purpose‑built facility for the area.
The controversy intensified after Cllr Gerry O’Neill organised a second public meeting to address what he described as a “steamrolling” approach by the HSE. According to Cllr O’Neill, the Coimín Centre, where the day care service currently operates, offered the HSE an additional 12 months’ use of the premises, while refurbishment works proceed at the old Health Centre on Kilbride Road.
Those works, he said, are expected to have designs and plans completed within three weeks. Despite this, the HSE rejected the extension and insisted on relocating service users to the Primary Care Centre immediately.
Cllr O’Neill, who has been involved with the day care service since its early days in St. Joseph’s Hall under Fr Tim Murphy, said the decision has caused “a woeful atmosphere” in the community. He described being asked to leave the Coimín Centre during a recent visit, an incident that upset many of the elderly attendees who know him personally.
He also raised concerns about the lack of communication between the HSE and Wicklow County Council, noting that the council’s fire officer confirmed he had not been contacted about the move.
“There’s great concern in the area for the elderly,” Cllr O’Neill said, adding that some service users rely on walking aids and would face significant challenges accessing an upstairs room via lift.
In a detailed public statement the HSE, defended its decision and emphasised its commitment to maintaining a safe, high‑quality service for older people in Blessington and west Wicklow.
It said the relocation became necessary after changes to the accommodation arrangements at the Coimín Centre and that the Primary Care Centre offers a fully licensed, compliant environment.
Blessington Day Care is based in the Coimín Centre. © mhie-indo-online Administrator
The HSE also highlighted that the move would allow the service to expand to five days per week, enabling more people on the waiting list to attend.
Concerns about meal provision were addressed by confirming that kitchen facilities within the Primary Care Centre would be made available to ensure hot meals continue to be served.
The HSE further stated that it has engaged extensively with families, staff, local TDs and members of the Baltinglass Municipal District. It acknowledged the formation of the Blessington Older Persons Committee and said it welcomed the opportunity to work with the group.
Representatives from the Day Care Committee and service users were invited to visit the Primary Care Centre to view the proposed space and discuss any remaining concerns. According to the HSE, this visit was intended to support transparency and reassure families about the arrangements in place.
Despite these assurances, tensions remain high.
Following correspondence with Cllr O’Neill, many locals argue that the Primary Care Centre, while valuable for GP services and potential future expansion such as a minor injury unit, is not designed for day care activities involving elderly people with mobility issues.
They point out that the Coimín Centre already provides ground‑floor access, a fully equipped kitchen, bathrooms and shower facilities, amenities they fear will not be adequately replicated in the interim location. Some HSE staff within the Primary Care Centre are reportedly unhappy with the disruption the relocation may cause.
Wicklow County Council officials confirmed that they have received no direct communication from the HSE regarding the move. Chief executive Emer O’Gorman stated that, while councillors have made representations, the HSE has not engaged with the council itself. She emphasised that the matter lies entirely within the HSE’s remit and that the council has no authority over how the service is provided.
Speaking jointly, representatives of the Blessington Day Care Committee and HSE Dublin and Midlands said they will continue working together to find a solution.
“The wellbeing of older people using the day care service has always been and remains our shared priority. We are committed to working together constructively to ensure service users and their families are fully informed and supported throughout this transition.
“We welcome the opportunity for stakeholders to visit the facility, ask questions and see the arrangements that have been made to support the continuation of this important service.”
The HSE declined to attend the second public meeting organised by Cllr O’Neill, arguing that direct engagement with stakeholders, rather than large public forums is the most effective way to address concerns.