The chief executive officer of the Western Health Board has agreed to meet local public representatives to discuss the closure of the alcohol detox unit in Ballinasloe.
Dr Sheelah Ryan's move comes after 300 people held a public meeting to discuss the closure. Bishop John Kirby said it was "a pity" the unit had been closed.
Until now, patients admitted to St Brigid's Psychiatric Hospital for detoxification could opt for residential group therapy treatment after being discharged from the acute unit.
If suitable, they could participate in the programme on the hospital campus and stay in the old nurses home there for four weeks. Participation in the programme was known locally as "doing the unit".
However, the WHB decided to "reshape" its alcohol treatment services and axed the residential programme. It said counsellors would move to the community to bring services closer to clients.
Dr Ryan said the treatment of alcohol problems had been modernised and in the east Galway area, the number of counselling staff, based in different areas, had trebled. She said community-based counselling and providing services in local areas helped to minimise disruption to family and work life.
The health board said there had been no referrals for overnight accommodation at the Ballinasloe unit for the past six months. However the option for such a facility during the treatment for alcoholism was still available and the board was adamant that no element of the old service would be lost.
"Alternative lodgings in different locations will be offered and made available," Dr Ryan said.
Cllr Michael Mullins, who chaired the public meeting, said there was a clear need for a residential unit in Ballinasloe for the treatment of alcoholism.
Dr Fiona Creaven, a member of the Western Health Board, said it was an emotive debate. The number of referrals this year was small and 37 per cent of those referred to the unit had been admitted two or three times before.
"This is not a criticism of the unit. It tells that inpatient treatment doesn't work for everybody," Dr Creaven added. "A very small percentage of patients need a residential programme, which is less than 5 per cent in the Western Health Board area."