Plans to transfer the facility were put on hold last month.
The future of a Laois mental health facility remains unclear, with a HSE report yet to be finalised.
Plans to transfer the Erkina House service in Rathdowney to a new facility in Tullamore were put on hold last month, until a full consulTation process is completed.
The HSE argues the Laois facility is no longer suitable for modern mental health provision, with structural issues with the building and the rural location behind the proposed transfer.
Sinn Féin TD for Laois-Offaly, Brian Stanley has been appealing to Junior Health Minister Mary Butler in the Dáil to bring the existing centre up to standard and avoid any further disruption to the residents:
READ MORE: Government TD Admits Mistakes Were Made In Handling Of Erkina House
Speaking in the Dáil this morning, Deputy Stanley admitted that Erkina House is an old building and could understand the need for structural upgrades.
He implored the minister to make use of disability grants and other such funding streams to make the necessary upgrades.
The Sinn Féin rep referred to the service - which opened in Rathdowney town centre 26 years - as the "best practice" in mental healthcare in the "perfect location".
The proposed transfer 60 kilometres away to Silver Lodge on the Arden Road, Tullamore "is not the silver bullet they're talking about" in Deputy Stanley's view, especially given Silver Lodge does not have the space for all therapeutic services.
In response, Minister Mary Butler noted that the Erkina residents were accommodated in dormitory style bedrooms.
The facility contained 17 beds before the pandemic, when it was reduced to 11, and then increased again to 12 in 2021.
The shared bedroom and bathroom facilities are not suitable in mental healthcare, according to Minister Butler.
She added that she was very disappointment to see the matter emerged in the public domain back in April before the residents or she herself were fully informed.
Elderly Man Hospitalised After Offaly Crash
Women Risk Being "Stuck" In Refuge Due To Issues With Sourcing Accommodation
Record Number Of Women Declare For 2024 Local Elections
Westmeath Cafe Customers Reluctant To Take Home Cans After DRS Implementation
Emergency Services At Scene Of Offaly Crash
Dáil To Debate Replacement Of Means-Testing For Family Carers
'Pleasant' Mother And Daughter The Winners Of €150k Offaly Scratch Card
Serious Offaly Crash Which Saw Four People Hospitalised Under Investigation
Over 150 Midlands Businesses On Board For LOFFA Rainbow Day
Offaly Lotto Player Bags €150k Winning Ticket
Westmeath Army Barracks To Benefit From Increased Defence Funding
Midlands Children Raise Over €19k On National Pyjama Day
Report Finds Laois Town Can Be "More Than The Electric Picnic Site"
"Sustainability Is The Way Forward" - New Refill Mill Owner
People With Disabilities Suffering A 'Silent' Housing Crisis - Irish Wheelchair Association
Over €3m Granted For Road Repairs In The Midlands
Hosting Refugee Roadshow Coming To Offaly
Teenage Unaccompanied Learner Driver Caught Travelling Twice The Speed Limit
Investigation Launched Following Laois Burglary