There are unconfirmed reports today that the HSE is planning to close at least three mental health day centres in Co Roscommon.

Leaked minutes of internal HSE meetings show that the psychiatric day centres in Ballaghadereen, Boyle and Strokestown will be closed and amalgamated with other centres.

There are currently five psychiatric day centres in Co Roscommon, and it’s understood this is to be reduced to one or two over the next 12-18 months.

It’s proposed that the Ballaghadereen and Castlerea day centres amalgamate and be run from a location in Knockroe, Castlerea.

It’s also planned to close the Strokestown and Boyle day care centres.

The HSE says it’s currently exploring reconfiguring existing day centres to provide enhanced and individualised programmes to service users.

Roscommon-based Minister Denis Naughton says these reports are very worrying, and he has called on the HSE West to meet as soon as possible with local TDs and Senators and with local members of the HSE Regional Forum to clarify their plans for psychiatric services in the county…