‘Extensive’ works required for Annalee after oil leak

 

 

“Extensive” remedial works are required, the HSE has confirmed, to rectify damage cause by an oil-leak that triggered the closure of
the Annalee View Respite Centre in Cootehill earlier this year.

The Anglo-Celt can confirm that repairs are required to both “internal and external” areas of the facility, which provided residential respite services for service users with intellectual or physical disabilities.
Last week, this newspaper reported that the facility had been effectively unavailable to “despairing” families for almost nine months now with almost 100 users directly affected and another 300 on a waiting list.
These frustrations were vented at a public meeting on Monday of last week, the second in as many months held to highlight the lack of access to overnight respite services, and the impact it is having on families.
The Annalee centre was shut to admissions for a period from September last year when dealing with two separate successive “challenging” placements.
Annalee started 2019 providing 20 adult respite bed nights (five adults for four nights), and respite for seven children (five children for one night and two children for three nights).
However, in early February, HSE Disability Services identified a problem with the oil tank. Limerick-based, AM Environmental, were contracted to assess the situation. It advised that staff and residents vacate the centre with “immediate effect”.
A letter subsequently issued to all families explaining the issue, and that the centre would be closed until further notice.
A two-day site investigation at Annalee commenced on Wednesday, February 6, the purpose of which was to establish the extent of the contamination, and the works required to rectify the situation.
A spokesperson for the HSE confirmed to the Celt last week that “detailed report” was completed.
“This report has outlined that extensive remedial works are required to the internal and external areas of the facility arising from a leak in the fuel transfer line.”
As a result, Cavan Monaghan Disability Services are said to be liaising with the Estates Department regarding the completion of works. No timeline however for when the works will be carried out, or when the centre will reopen was available.
“It is not possible to state a definitive completion date at this stage,” the HSE spokesperson said.

Temporary property

HSE Estates are now said to be working to “secure a property” a temporary respite centre. They are reviewing available rental or lease suitable properties in the Cavan-Monaghan area.
Sinn Fein Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin had outlined to concerned parents at the Cootehill meeting last week that one potential 'temporary' option under consideration by the HSE is a bungalow property located near Cavan Town.
There are further calls for the HSE to identify permanent additional facilities for crisis cases as they emerge.
The HSE, meanwhile, reiterated that alternative respite options presently in place include day services at weekends to offer support to service users who avail of respite. The Cavan Day Centre and Monaghan Day Centre are both operational on alternative weekends - Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 6pm (approximately) for children and adults.
Families of persons with disability have also been offered additional home support.
Attempts are also being made to source 'holiday' breaks for adult service users. Adult service users are also availing of Steadfast respite how and when vacancies arise.
This is with a view to utilising one week a month in their respite service.