Major changes could be on the way for Kildare-based rehab centre
Cuan Mhuire provides addiction treatment services and residential rehabilitation
A number of major changes have been proposed for one County Kildare-based rehabilitation centre.
Cuan Mhuire Teoranta, which works to provide addiction treatment services and residential rehabilitation to people in crisis, has applied for planning permission from Kildare County Council (KCC) to make the changes at its centre in the Milltown region of Athy.
According to the description contained in the application, Cuan Mhuire Teoranta is seeking permission for:
- The demolition of the existing glazed conservatory located at the rear elevation of the existing treatment unit building
- The demolition of the existing entrance lobby located on the existing treatment unit front elevation and the subsequent relocation of three existing greenhouses situated in the curtilage of existing treatment unit building.
- Changes in the design and layout to existing addiction treatment unit, including the construction of new single storey extension to the rear, western elevation of existing treatment unit building, construction of covered walkway to rear elevation of existing treatment unit building, and the construction of two single storey one-bedroom apartments at northern elevation of existing building
- Elevational changes to all elevations of existing treatment unit building, including the construction of new single storey entrance lobby, installation of external insulation, application of new finishes including render and hardwood timber cladding, plus changes to existing fenestration on selected elevations
In addition, the construction of a new two-storey building and glass link to the rear of existing treatment unit has been proposed.
This new building would consist of a sitting room, dining room, kitchen, toilet facilities, plantroom and storeroom on the ground floor, along with the provision of seven ensuite double bedrooms and two ensuite single bedrooms for the use of residents of treatment unit, ‘together with connection to existing public sewers and all other ancillary siteworks’.
The date received is listed as September 17 last, while the submission-by and due dates are listed as October 21, 2026 and November 11, 2026.
The official website of Cuan Mhuire notes that the Athy branch was first established back in 1966 by Sister Consilio Fitzgerald.
In 2021, the organisation opened its women's addiction treatment centre in Athy, in response to the growing demand for support services.
Cuan Mhuire also has branches in counties Limerick, Galway, Cork and Down.