Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Visits New Tusla Special Care Facility to see Progress

Friday, 23rd September 2016: Dr Katherine Zappone TD, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs visited the Crannóg  Nua unit in Portrane, Co. Dublin with Fred McBride Chief Executive, Tusla – Child and Family Agency today to see the progress being made at the facility, which is expected to open in 2017.

Commenting on her visit to Crannóg Nua today, Minister Zappone said: “This government has committed €14.4m to provide for much needed additional special care places. I am delighted to see the level of building progress made at Crannóg Nua is transforming the centre to a special care unit. When fully open, the unit will provide 12 more places for children whom the High Court has decided need to be cared for in a secure unit. The next step for Tusla is to put in place the specialised team of care workers and therapeutic staff needed to support this group of children with complex and challenging needs.”

When complete, the facility which will be a 12 bed special care facility (formerly a high support unit) and will be registered as a designated centre as defined in the Health Act, 2007. Special care provides short term, stabilising and safe care in a secured therapeutic environment for children and young people while preparing them to return to a less secure environment in the future.

Speaking at the visit Fred McBride, Chief Executive, Tusla said: “I’m delighted to show the Minister around this very important facility and to see the impressive progress that has been made. Once complete, Crannóg Nua will provide a safe environment for children and young people who require a high level of intervention and a secure placement and provide specialised educational and clinical services to help with their welfare and development.”

Improvements currently being made at Crannóg Nua include:

• The development of three four-bed units and one single occupancy unit;
• Two additional classrooms to increase capacity at the school;
• A refit of the school, gym and campus.

The new unit will be single storey and include staff, clinical and education facilities together with accommodation for residents and staff.