Closure of Allenwood Day Care Centre in Co Kildare is a “retrograde step” – O’Loughlin

Local Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O’Loughlin has said that the planned closure of the Allenwood Day Care Centre in Ballyteague on January 1 2025 is a “retrograde step” and has caused “huge angst and worry” amongst those who benefit from the service, and their family members.

Speaking to Kildare Now this week, Senator O’Loughlin said: “Allenwood Day Care Centre, which is and has been a wonderful community facility has been operating from Ballyteague GFC for many years.

“This is a great location, having great outdoor grounds and allowing users to access safe and accessible nature trails as well as a great indoor space. Having visited it on a number of occasions, I know what it means to many of the older people in the area who avail of it.”

“It is a home from home for many people including some of whom who have dementia and thrive in the warm, supportive and inclusive environment.”

Senator O'Loughlin said she “totally disagrees” with the decision made by St Vincent de Paul to disband the local committee.

It was her understanding, she added, that the disagreement and conflict was in relation to the proposal to move the daycare service to a new premises in Kilmeague.

She added: “Whilst my certain preference would be to continue the service in the Ballyteague GFC, what has now emerged is that there will be no continuing service whatsoever anywhere. Works have only begun on the site in Kilmeague, and is not going to be ready for at least 6 months, leaving those who use this service with no option.”

The Fianna Fáil Senator concluded: “I believe this was a very harsh decision, to close the centre and review their operations without having alternative arrangements in place.

“It is the completely wrong decision in my view, announced the week before Christmas, leaving families devastated. I will today be writing to the HSE and SVP to express my view. I have already contacted Minister Mary Butler to ask her to intervene.”