A rally has taken place in Caherciveen, Co Kerry, at the weekend because the town’s only high support hostel for mental health patients is to close at the end of the month.
Locals say the hostel’s seven long-stay patients have no place to go. The HSE, however, is insisting the closure will go ahead.
“The HSE Service Plan 2012 outlines a number of actions to be undertaken during 2012 in relation to mental health services. This includes the closure of Island View High Support Hostel in Caherciveen,” a statement said.
Speakers included hostel secretary Christy O’Connell, Cormac Williams of the psychiatric nurses association and local woman Fiona de Buis.
Mr O’Connell said the residents of the hostel were a community who wished to remain together. Mr Williams has written to junior health minister Kathleen Lynch.