Cork South West Deputy Christopher O’Sullivan is seeking a meeting with Health Minister Stephen Donnelly to find an explanation for the impending closure of Cara Lodge, a valuable drug rehabilitation service in Ahiohill.
The long-established addiction treatment facility for teenagers in West Cork is expected to close in October, with the reported loss of at least 30 jobs.
Cara Lodge is run by the Cork City based charity Matt Talbot Adolescent Services (MTAS) and provides both residential and daycare services to teenagers and young people with addiction issues.
“I want an explanation why this centre, which has been operating for nearly 20 years, is closing,” Deputy O’Sullivan said.
“I am seeking a meeting with the minister for health to find out what measures can be put in place to either keep the lodge running, or at the very least redeploy the very skilled and expert staff that have been working there for years.
“Everyone speaks highly of the Cara Lodge staff, and what they’re doing. I’ve spoken with some team members. They’re disappointed but they’re adamant that as a team they worked well together well.
“I’ll be insisting at the very least this staff be redeployed to help young people struggling with addiction.
“There are so few services like this in the state. The sense in sacking almost 30 experienced staff at the moment escapes me.”
