The Health Service Executive (HSE) has signed a €6.3m contract with construction firm BAM to build a new generation Mental Health Residential Unit for Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.

According to the HSE, the new unit will incorporate HIQA Guidelines based on the principle that people with disabilities in residential services should be enabled to lead full lives, comparable to those of their fellow citizens.

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The Clonmel unit, one of a number to be constructed under a four-year framework arrangement, is the first to reach construction stage.

The 3,400 square meter building will be a single storey timber-framed modular design, which can be added to or adapted with additional modules, for future expansion.

"We believe that this household model could be adopted to provide a solution for mental health residential units around the country; the elemental form adapts easily to suit any particular site layout or configuration," said Leo Harmon, main Board Director with BAM.

The 40-bed facility will be built on the grounds of St Josephs Hospital in Clonmel.

(NS/BMcC)