A Laois nursing home is at the centre of an undercover investigation in a new RTÉ Investigates documentary.

RTÉ have confirmed with the Leinster Express / Laois Live that 'systematic failings' at The Residence nursing home in Portlaoise will feature in their upcoming documentary.

RTÉ confirm that they have liaised with HIQA on findings uncovered at the location, and the families of several residents.

The broadcaster has said that this documentary will show 'systematic failings', putting 'undue pressure on staff' to care for numerous residents and patients.

Owned by nursing home group Emeis, the documentary will also feature a Dublin nursing home owned by the group.

The Residence Portlaoise nursing home. Image: Google Maps

The Residence Portlaoise, a three storey property built in Portlaoise town centre beside the railway line, recently failed 10 regulations in an April 2025 HIQA report. 

The upcoming RTÉ documentary has been hailed as 'distressing', and will be a disturbing watch for many viewers.

Following detailed concerns raised by several whistleblowers, RTÉ Investigates has for a number months been investigating the nursing home group, as part of a special documentary, RTÉ Investigates – Inside Ireland’s Nursing Homes due to air this Wednesday 04 June at 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player. 

WATCH: a snippet of RTÉ's upcoming documentary, RTÉ Investigates: Inside Ireland's Nursing Homes

RTÉ Investigates liaised with independent experts, and findings have been reported by RTÉ researchers to HIQA, and the local nursing home management where applicable and in line with expert advice.

The findings of the investigation have been shared with the private nursing home group and RTÉ has offered them due right of reply. Rigid production and editorial standards have been observed under the guidance of RTÉ’s own journalism guidelines.

20 years ago, Prime Time Investigates exposed shocking conditions and work practices in the private Leas Cross Nursing Home in Swords in north Dublin.

The neglect of vulnerable residents at the facility caused public outcry. A Commission of Investigation followed which made a series of recommendations. The scandal prompted a national debate with political promises of reform in the sector.

The RTÉ Investigates documentary features the reactions of professional experts in this field who have seen some of the undercover footage filmed by RTÉ.

“The whole episode of care in relation to this man is really quite distressing.  I can’t say anymore how much it goes against every gerontological principle that I hold dear," Professor Rónán Collins, Consultant Geriatrician said.

Professor David Robinson told RTÉ Investigates that it showed “systemic and institutional lack of consideration for the older person”.

“This is going to shorten peoples lives and their lives will be more miserable," Mr Robinson admitted.

Watch RTÉ Investigates: Inside Ireland’s Nursing Homes, this Wednesday night at 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTE Player.

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