A Laois TD has raised his concerns that the opening of a Laois nursing home's new extension may lead to the closure of the previously used rooms.

Independent Republican TD Brian Stanley questioned Minister for Health Jennifer Caroll McNeill on future plans of St Vincent's Community Nursing Unit in Mountmellick.

The nursing home has seen a €6.82 million investment into the extension of 50 ensuite bedrooms for residents, with residents due to move in by Q1 of 2026.  

Deputy Stanley requested that the management of the HSE 'utilise the existing hospital building at St Vincent’s, Mountmellick, when the new wing opens, which would increase the bed capacity in the facility'.

“There are 58 beds at the moment, the important thing is that when the new wing is open, which is very much welcome, it's €31 million investment which we've been long waiting for, the important thing is that we increase the bed capacity of 58 beds," the Deputy said.

"The reality is that 25 of the existing beds in the ward that was refurbished in recent years at huge expense, double glazed windows completely refitted out en-suite rooms, it would be criminal, it would be outrageous were the 25 beds to be taken out of use," he said.

"There's capacity to get the hospital up to 83. There’s brilliant staff there, and it’s a very well-run facility there. As I said, they're totally refurbished rooms and there's 25 of those beds can continue. There’s a shortage of nursing home beds in the county you know the situation minister that you dealt with personally regarding the Residency Nursing Home," the Deputy highlighted to Minister Caroll McNeill.

"We’ve also lost Ballard lodge, which the private nursing home that closed down.  It was a good facility, so we need extra capacity in the county, and I would plead with you and the Senior Minister here as well and Minister Carroll McNeil and Minister Murnane to do everything you can to try and ensure that," Deputy Stanley finished.

In response, Minister McNeill said that construction of the extension is expected to be completed shortly.

“St Vincents Community Nursing Unit, Mountmellick, Co. Laois, is a public nursing home that currently provides 56 long-stay beds and 1 short-stay bed," the Minister replied.

"Phase one of the current capital project at St Vincent’s consists of a new two-story development containing fifty single en-suite rooms, adjacent and linked to the existing facility. The project is expected to be construction complete in the next few weeks.

"It is currently expected that St Vincent’s will be operational in Q1 2026, following the transfers of residents, the reviewing of staff rosters, and the application to vary the registration with HIQA," Minister Carroll McNeill said.

"When complete, St Vincent’s will be registered for 58 beds consisting of 57 long-stay beds and 1 short-stay bed. The 8-bed dementia unit in the existing building will continue to operate. The HSE have advised that they are reviewing plans in respect of the future use of the existing facility," she said.

"However, the main kitchen, canteen. laundry, and storerooms will continue to be accessed by staff. The church will also continue to be accessed by residents and staff as required, and daycare will remain operational in its current location.

"The scale and scope of future additional phasing of capital project will be determined," the Minister clarified.

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