Planning permission was granted for a Muiríosa Foundation hub in the former Bank of Ireland building in The Square, Castlepollard on Friday, 28 June.
“For the people that are going to use it, it’s a fantastic facility to have in the area rather than having to go to Mullingar and other health centres,” Cllr Alfie Devine told Topic.
He said it is ideally positioned and in what is a central location for the north midlands. Cllr Devine said it will attract new staff to Castlepollard and added that “it’s a great asset to the town”. Transport to and from the centre has been organised for service users according to the Fianna Fáil councillor. He said it is a huge advantage to have such a facility in a rural area like Castlepollard.
“It’s very important to have it in rural areas because a lot of people using these services probably don’t have access to cars.”
“It’s bringing a bit of life to the centre of the town which is badly needed,” he added.
The application was submitted by D. & P. Murphy Castlepollard Ltd. Westmeath County Council has approved the conversion of the ground floor of the protected structure into a day service facility.
The Muiríosa Foundation is funded by the HSE and serves people with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities and associated conditions. This includes autism, physical and sensory disabilities, and mental health difficulties. Between 17 and 25 people will use the facility. They will be assisted by health and social care professionals through in-house learning and community classes.
Muiríosa operates numerous day services in Longford, Westmeath and Meath. The foundation helps service users gain employment, access education, pursue vocations and engage in recreational activities.
“People may be accompanied to attend library, leisure centres, clubs, events, classes and also to engage in activities of daily living such as personal shopping, appointments, banking etc,” the foundation’s cover letter states in the application.
