The HSE is planning to develop a new residential unit for older people in Ardee, Co Louth.

The original plans to upgrade the existing St Joseph's Nursing Home have been put on hold and the HSE is now planning to build a new facility on the same site.

Louth Sinn Fein TD Gerry Adams welcomed the announcement.

He said: "Based on the HSE's own timeframe, the residents of St Joseph's should currently be living in a HIQA compliant facility, yet my most recent communication from the HSE states that the focus is now 'on the provision of a new unit, rather than the refurbishment of the original building'.

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"The HSE has further informed me that the new premises will be located on the current site and I have sought additional information regarding the allocated funding, the proposed design and the construction timescale involved.

"This new unit is good news for St Joseph's and its future occupants; however, the HSE anticipates that the new unit will not be operational before 2021. In light of this, I have written to the HSE to find out how it will ensure that the current building achieves HIQA compliance to guarantee the comfort and safety of residents."

(CD/JP)