Changes in store for controversial Mayo centre

A SENIOR HSE West official has confirmed that a review of the future of Áras Attracta in Swinford is close to completion.

Tony Canavan, a chief officer with the authority, confirmed that an assessment of needs for each of the current residents at the centre will be finalised soon.

He elaborated: 'This process commenced earlier this year and will be completed by the end of 2015. Future service provision will be based on these assessments in consultation with clients and their families.

'We expect that a number of clients will choose to live in houses in the community and will therefore not continue to reside at Áras Attracta.

'Our aim will be to facilitate and support the residents of Áras Attracta to live ordinary lives, in ordinary settings, doing ordinary things.

'Inevitably this will mean that the nature of the services provided at Áras Attracta will change as we move towards a more community-based approach.

'For individual residents, however, our priority will be the provision of the best care and services that we can provide.'

He was responding to concerns raised by Mayo elected representatives, Councillor Lisa Chambers and Councillor Michael Kilcoyne.