Restrictions eased at Laois nursing home exposed by RTÉ Investigates

Restrictions have been eased on a big nursing home in Portlaoise that was engulfed in national controversy after shortcomings in care were exposed by RTÉ.

The Residence nursing home has been operating well below its capacity since April this year after the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) imposed conditions on its operations following an inspection in February.

No new admissions were permitted by HIQA to the Emeis Ireland run-home by the nursing homes watchdog due to the extensive shortcomings identified at the Portlaoise facility.

The HIQA actions overlapped with an RTÉ Investigates expose of two Emeis Ireland homes. The Residence and second home in Glasnevin were featured in the investigation.

The systematic failings identified led to the suspension of admissions to all Emeis Ireland group of homes. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

HIQA provided an update to the Leinster Express / Laois Live on the status of its restriction on The Residence on December 10.

"The restriction on admissions to The Residence Portlaoise was removed on 22 November 2025, and this is reflected on the register maintained by HIQA’s Chief Inspector.

"The registered provider of The Residence Portlaoise is currently registered to accommodate a maximum of 61 residents.

"Inspectors continue to inspect this centre to ensure that the progress achieved is built on and sustained," said the statement.]

HIQA did not initially outline what measures had been taken by the operators, which led it to decide to allow admissions to recommence.

Emeis Ireland have been contacted by the Leinster Express / Laois Live to establish what actions have been taken to address shortcomings.

The 61 limit represents a cap on the home located off the Mountmellick Road as it has 101 single rooms. There were 70 residents accommodated in the home when inspectors carried out a report, which led to a ban on new admissions.

Emeis Ireland describes The Residence as a "purpose-built nursing home" with 101 single registered bedrooms with en suite bathrooms. They say it accommodates male and female residents over the age of 18 years for short-term and long-term care. Emeis also say it provides 24-hour nursing care and caters for older people who require nursing care, dementia care, palliative care, respite and post-operative care.