St Brendan's closure would be 'hammer-blow' for west Mayo - McNamara

If fifty jobs were in danger of being lost at a Mayo industry there would be consternation across the county, yet that's what will occur in St Brendan's Nursing Home in Mulranny unless funding is urgently found. That was the strong message delivered by Councillor Paul McNamara at Monday's meeting of the Westport/Belmullet Municipal District, which was held in Carratigue.

The Achill-based politician said the future of St Brendan's was in grave danger and the closure of the facility would be a 'hammer-blow' to West Mayo.

“There are 51 people employed in St Brendan's and more importantly there are 41 residents, so there is a huge amount of stress and worry in the area right now. Not-for-profit nursing homes such as St Brendan's receive very poor funding from the state and I can tell you all here today that the situation is very serious unless urgent state funding is sourced.

“The 41 residents are split between 24 high dependency and 16 in sheltered housing. The service delivered to the community of Mulranny, Achill, Ballycroy, as far as Belmullet in one direction and Westport in the other, is second to none.

“Closure of St Brendan's would be an utterly devastating blow to the area and if nothing is done before the doors close it will too late.

“We need this council to immediately contact Minister Stephen Donnelly and the Minister of State Mary Butler and get them to step in and save this fantastic community facility.”

Backing

Cllr McNamara's comments were backed by Cllr Gerry Coyle who said not only does St Brendan's service the local community, it also supports returning emigrants from the UK.

“It is vital that St Brendan's is saved. St Brendan's was the first place that looked after our people who worked like slaves overseas to send back money to keep things going here at all. Those people looked after everyone except themselves and when they needed help the first to help them were the people in St Brendan's. We must do whatever it takes to secure that wonderful facility.”

Cllr Sean Carey said the service delivered to the residents of St Brendan's and their families was second to none. “The support and care given by the staff there is undoubtedly second to none and we cannot let this be lost.”

Cllr Brendan Mulroy said time was of the essence and not only should the council write to the minister, they should also go to meet him in person and stress the urgency and importance of the situation.

“We must meet him straight away because if we do nothing the writing will soon be on the wall for this wonderful and much-needed facility,” he concluded.