Permanent home needed for Castlebar alzheimer centre

THE need for a permanent home for the alzheimer day care centre in Castlebar has been highlighted by local councillors.

With the council approving a disposal of land for a new centre in Foxford, Councillor Michael Kilcoyne queried if this would have implications for the facility in the county town. What area would it cater for, he asked.

The centre in Castlebar has been 'on the move' since it was established – first in Knockthomas, then Snugboro, and more recently in Aglish.

It now looks like they have no home, Councillor Blackie Gavin told the monthly meeting of Mayo County Council.

“A centre here in Castlebar needs the support of this council,” he stated.

They had come before the municipal district to look for a place in Castlebar, where all the services are. He didn't want people having to leave the town to travel to other parts of the county.

These people, he added, deserve the best that money can get to look after them.

Castlebar had abandoned buildings, like the old library, and he asked the council to provide a facility for these people.

The council has transferred 0.19 hectares at Admiral Browne Road in Fodford to the Foxford & District Alzheimer Trust, who have been running a respite and day care centre for alzheimer's patients and their families in Foxford since 2011.

They currently operate from a leased building in the town centre.