Brendan Smith urges replacement of Rockcorrick day unit
Brendan Smith called for urgent improvements to disability day services in Cavernham and Monaghan, urging a replacement for the inadequate Clocker House day activation unit in Rockcorrick and expanded capacity at Drummond House in Coot Hill. He backed parents' efforts and pressed for swift progression of approved HSE capital plans and engagement with the minister.
Immediate concerns in Cavernham and Monaghan
He highlighted the present totally inadequate day activation unit at Clocker House, Rockcorrick, Cavern Town, and said it must be replaced with a modern facility that properly caters for service users. He stressed that a new unit should have capacity for increased numbers of attendees and noted that young adults with complex needs have waited too long for appropriate modern facilities.
HSE capital plans and tender process
He reported that the HSE advised a comprehensive submission for capital funding to replace Clocker House was approved in 2024. He said HSE Disability Service and HSE Double North East Capital in the States concluded a tender process for a leasehold site in Cavern that was approved in July of last year, and that letters have been issued to successful and unsuccessful tenderers; once outstanding issues are addressed the HSE will engage the preferred provider on milestones and delivery.
Drummond House expansion
He urged that the proposal for substantial investment in Drummond House day services in Coot Hill be progressed quickly and noted an allocation of £7.5 million was provided towards the expansion of Drummond House in 2024. He said he will engage with the minister directly on the expansion and redevelopment and will follow up with further engagement on the allocation.
Support for families and next steps
He emphasised continued support for parents seeking proper facilities at both sites and called for prompt action to deliver modern day services and training centres. He framed day activation units and training centres as vital for the well-being of young people with complex needs and urged rapid progression of the HSE and ministerial engagement to move projects to delivery.
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I raise again the urgent need to improve services in Cavernham and Monaghan for persons with disabilities. The present totally inadequate day activation unit at Rockcorrick, Cavern Town, needs to be replaced with a modern facility that caters properly for the needs of service users. A new day activation unit must also have the capacity to provide for increased numbers of attendees. These young adults have waited far, far too long for an appropriate modern unit. I am anxious that the proposal for substantial investment in Drummond House day services in Coot Hill should be progressed quickly. New facilities are needed to provide property for an increasing number of trainees. Day services provided in an activation unit or in a training centre are absolutely vital for the well-being of these young people who, with their complex needs, have particular challenges day in, day out. And I continue to support the parents in their efforts to have such proper facilities provided at both sites. Thank you, I can't call it. Thank you, Deputy, for raising this very important issue. Clocker House is a day activation unit premises based in Rockcorrick, Cavern. The HSE advises that a comprehensive submission for capital funding for new day services for premises to replace Clocker House in line with the National HSE New Directions Policy for other day services was approved in 2024. HSE Disability Service and HSE Double North East Capital in the States concluded a tender process for a leasehold site in Cavern, which was approved in July of last year, and now they have now issued letters to the successful and unsuccessful tenderers. And once all outstanding issues are addressed, the HSE will look at engaging with the preferred provider on milestones and the programme of delivery. And I will engage with Minister Foley directly on the expansion and redevelopment of Drummond House day services in Coot Hill. I understand that an allocation of £7.5 million was provided towards the expansion of Drummond House in 2024. I will further engage with the Minister in respect of that. Deputy Prime Minister. Deputy Prime Minister. Deputy Prime Minister.
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