Emeis Ireland, formerly known as Orpea who operate 27 nursing homes across Ireland and who were featured at the centre of a programme initiated by “RTÉ Investigates”, has issued an apology to both residents and their families.
Emeis Ireland, who first entering the Irish market in 2022; following last night’s undercover investigations by RTE at The Residence Portlaoise, and at Beneavin Manor in Glasnevin, appeared to demonstrated that their chain’s brand, placed profit as their most paramount consideration.
Beneavin House Residential Care Home, located in Glasnevin, Dublin.
An Taoiseach Mr Micheál Martin today expressed grave concern regarding the investigation’s findings and no doubt an Tanaiste Mr Simon Harris will express similar concerns. But will Emeis Ireland be prosecuted for their failure to grant respect and dignity to elderly residents? Will those who were charged with minding both their nursing shops be allowed to continue in their supervisory rolls?
To the majority of those who viewed last night’s programme, RTE’s discovery’s were glimpsed as repulsive, holly unjustifiable, completely unacceptable and enormously distressing, while raising deep concern as to the well-being, the dignity and daily safety of elderly residents in other facilities run by Emeis Ireland.
The usual public relations (PR) machinery was quickly rolled out, once Emeis Ireland realised the game was up. Phrases emanated from their head office, like warmth from a fireplace:- “We will not tolerate any individual or systemic neglect, nor any practices that compromise resident safety, rights, or dignity.” “All concerns will be promptly investigated, reported to the appropriate regulatory authorities, and followed up with individualised safeguarding plans and strengthened oversight to mitigate the risk of recurrence” “Assistance programmes for residents, families, and staff are being established in response to the serious issues identified,” – the usual horse feathers and empty prattle trotted out in an inconsequential way, by similar large companies on this island of Ireland today.
This situation arises after staff at the bottom of the pay scale, in two Emeis Ireland nursing homes were seen to have left residents dressed in inappropriate incontinence wear, same unchanged for hours, due to a shortage of bed linen. We watched in horror as two frustrated staff roughly manhandled a protesting dementia patient, with no apparent oversight by management. Cutbacks in relation to medical supplies and failure to provide necessary staff required, added to the poor clinical practices carried out across both nursing homes.
While staff members at the Emeis operated nursing homes had made protected disclosures to the Health Information and Equality Authority (HIQA), it had taken 17 weeks for follow-up inspections to be carried out, the programme reported.
HIQA confirmed today that it now carrying out a review of all nursing homes operated by the Emeis Ireland group, following the multiple care failings and obvious neglect of vulnerable older residents at the two nursing homes, documented by ‘RTÉ Investigates’.
So called responsible persons within the Irish health service at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic (coronavirus pandemic) which arrived into Ireland first in February 2020, discovered that Nursing Homes had no personal protective equipment (PPE) available to staff. This error greatly contributed to 6,066 deaths (17%) occurring in same nursing homes, (we won’t mention the 2,188 deaths (6.3%) occurring in hospices), which should have raised a red flag with regard to the activities being carried out in these same establishments run solely without dignity and for profit foremost.
The Leas Cross Nursing Home scandal erupted in Ireland when the nursing home, located near Swords in Dublin, was closed several weeks after a 2005 Prime Time television report revealed sub-standard living conditions there. Yet, some 20 years on we have learned nothing. Leas Cross should have been a wake-up cry and should have sparked real change as to how we, going forward, should be supporting and caring for older people. Both government and opposition appear to spend their three day week in Dáil Éireann discussing the state of Israel and Gaza, while issues at home break up into small parts as the result of impact and decay
Our heads of government, continue to delude themselves into believing that they are powerful world leader. Sadly, the taxpayer, the government and the opposition can now add this Emeis Ireland nursing home ludicrous and humiliating fiasco to their long list of failures here in Ireland carried out under their watch.
I refer of course to: The €808,000 Dáil printer scandal, where a printer was purchased but could not fit into the print room, leading to over €230,000 in modifications; The €725 million RTÉ bailout; The Office of Public Works (OPW) Government Buildings security hut at a final cost of €1.43 million; The National Children’s Hospital overrun, which has now surpassed €2.5 billion; The €22 million spent on covid ventilators, that never worked, with another €50,000 spent on storing them; The €2.5 billion paid out in medical compensation over ten years, by the Health Service Executive; The OPW Leinster House bike shed costing €336,000; The OPW Iveagh House refurbishment costing €825,000; The National Transport Authority spending on Metro North, (in the region of €300 million) with nothing built; The OPW wall at the Workplace Relations Commission’s Dublin headquarters, which escalated from an initial estimate of €200,000 to over €490,000; The 120 electric buses, costing €80.4 million that sat idle for a year and a half in Dublin, due to the lack of charging infrastructure; The €6.7 million spent by the Arts Council on an Information Technology system, that has never delivered; The National Gallery scanner, purchased at €120,000, but never used because no suitable room was found; The failure to protect pedestrians who choose to walk the streets of our Capital City during daylight hours. The review into the use of unapproved implantable springs in spinal surgery at Temple Street, Children’s Hospital. The recent issues regarding children’s hip developmental dysplasia at Temple Street, Children’s Hospital and elsewhere.
“Quis custodes ipsos custodiat?” – Translated from the Latin – “Who shall keep the keepers themselves?”
We learn today that a second ‘Section 5’ Thurles Planning Exemption, announced by elected representatives, for an address on Friar Street, Thurles, was in fact never intended for use as housing for International Protection Applicants.
Proprietors of this identified Friar Street property have stated that their building will not be used as an IPAS centre and same was never intended to be used as such, in the first place.
The property on Friar Street in the town is currently home to a number of Ukrainians and the owner insists that it was never intended be used for International Protection Applicants.
Meanwhile, it has already been confirmed that Kilbrin Homes Ltd, has now decided not to progress with their plans for an IPAS Centre, scheduled for Mitchel Street in Thurles, Co. Tipperary. This latter decision results in a scheduled public meeting, which was set to be held on Thursday, March 27th next, now will no longer take place, as was arranged for the Anner Hotel in the town.
Immigration issues, which suddenly came to the fore this week in Thurles, does not mean that Thurles people, for the most part, are either racist or against allowing refugees to come into our midst, seeking better opportunities. The majority of residents believe that everyone should have the chance to improve their lives. However, the current systems are being totally exploited and the present government, supported by all Tipperary TDs; together with Tipperary County council officials appear to grant ‘Section 5’ planning exemption, in secret, to property owners/developers, in areas that are totally unacceptable. In the case of Thurles, not even one job has been created in the past 30 years, despite the fact that two elected TDs, up until the last election, were resident in the immediate area, both achieving nothing for either Thurles town or county. Where are these people to find job opportunities in Thurles?
Ireland continues to grow wealthier and is fast becoming one of the richest countries in the world, but the quality of life for many Irish people is declining. Our towns, and especially our cities, are becoming less safe – not solely because of immigration, but due to multiple factors, including drugs and a failing justice system.
Communities across Ireland are worried, and their concerns are being consistently ignored. When people’s feelings are suppressed, this leads to frustration, driving same toward more extreme beliefs. This breeds distrust in the government thus fuelling racism and extremism.
The immigration issue in Ireland is a complex and often controversial topic, touching on various social, economic, and political aspects. While Ireland has a long history of welcoming refugees and migrants; in recent years there have seen growing concerns and debates around immigration policies.
With regards Thurles and Co. Tipperary; it should be highlighted that while Tipperary County Council officials grant ‘Section 5’ Planning Exemption without any thought as to the area affected, this same Council have dragged a single elderly gentleman (Mr Sean Meehan), through the Irish Court system, demanding that he dismantle an insulated caravan on wheels, by April 4th next, which he positioned on his own land, near New Inn, Cahir, Co. Tipperary. Failure to obey this order, will see Mr Meehan spend his 66th birthday in an Irish prison, while his humble abode will be torn down, leaving him homeless when released. This is despite planning rules for cabins and modular homes in back gardens all set to be relaxed in an effort to support a housing crisis in Ireland.
This is a County Council that lacks humanity; is according to elected representatives, a somewhat dictatorial regime that continuously wastes taxpayers money and fails to consult with local residents, their elected Councillors, TDs, Gardaí and other pertinent stakeholders.
A final decision on the report had been previously delayed for further consultation; with a second traffic system trialled over a period of 3 days, instead of the 4 days originally agreed. However, the initial plan, formulated by Transport Infrastructure Ireland(TII) was proposed, yesterday, by Fine Gael Cllr. Ms Peggy Ryan and seconded by Fianna Fail Cllr. Sean Ryan, thus giving same idiotic plan the “green light”.
Yesterday evening, following the approved of this controversial plan, we understand that traders reacted angrily, with the latter holding banners stating, “It’s OK to say NO” and “120 Job Losses”.
The new plans, which are expected to take several years to implement, will involve changing the traffic system reduced to one lane, thus accepting traffic and heavy goods vehicles converging from 3 lanes right in the very centre of town. It will also see a further reduction of, at least, 12-14 car parking spaces from west Liberty square, and the removal of mature trees to be replaced by miniature trees forcing a colony of 1,000 Pied Wagtails becoming homeless.
The previous five-seater Tipperary constituency has now been re-drawn to form a two x three-seater constituency (Tipperary North and Tipperary South). Thurles Town remains in Tipperary North, so with 3 seats now up for grabs, it does not take a genius to realise and accept that possibly at least one totally new individual will take a seat in Dáil Éireann.
This scenario follows the fact one of two previous Thurles Teachtaí Dála, namely Fianna Fáil TD, Mr Jackie Cahill, some weeks ago, announced that he would not be contesting the 2024 General Election on Friday next, November 29th, due to health concerns.
On November 17th 2024, last a headline on the Nenagh Guardian newspaper [READ FULL ARTICLE HERE], correctly pointed out that “Tipperary is lacking in political clout”.
From a sports point of view this article correctly pointed out that the previous week had seen the third sports capital funding allocation for the year, with €173 million for 35 projects being part of the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund(LSSIF). While a number of Tipperary clubs were successful in appeals over their CSFF allocations, it would appear, as our local politicians slept, that the application pertaining to refurbishment works for Semple’s field (Semple Stadium), lost out to Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney, with the Kerry venue getting €6 million for work on its west terrace, to not only improve the spectator experience for matches, but also as an outdoor concert venue. This all happened despite having two resident Thurles TD’s who supported the present outgoing government.
On Friday next Thurles and District electorate, not to mention the Constituency of North Tipperary, as a whole, will get a chance to introduce this new face into Dáil Éireann.
Thurles over the past 10 years, in particular, and even longer, has been allowed to slide into slow disintegration. We have for too long listened to promises, with current politicians announcing funding for an ‘Inner Relief Road’; a‘Business Innovation Centre‘; ‘increased employment‘; a ‘Holycross Museum’; a ‘Ring Road’etc. etc., none of which have ever come to pass, as present incumbent politicians continuously tied themselves to wealthy individuals, latter who used them to seek even more government funding and changes in the law.
With Tipperary North now a three seater constituency and Thurles town on the decline; sound logic would indicate that Thurles now badly needs to elect candidate and present Co.Councillor Mr Jim Ryan, who is currently resident in Thurles town and who will represent, not just Thurles Town, but also the constituency of Tipperary North, if elected to take a seat in our 34th Dáil.
Mr Jim Ryan, to date, has given his adult life to both local and Co. Tipperary politics. He has consistently been elected as a County Councillor in local elections and as his poster states, he is proven; is certainly experienced and is reliable.
Try to forget “Political Party Allegiance” when voting on Friday next. Vote No1 Jim Ryan, before marking your No. 2 choice etc…
We must ask ourselves, as logical Thurles voters, the following question. “What have other candidates currently in the race; including some with absolutely no political experience whatsoever and now seeking our individual, valuable vote, ever achieved for Thurles Town“.
George Willoughby’s No.1 Vote will go to Councillor Jim Ryan on Friday morning next, in an effort to attempt the slow the obvious decline to a town that I love so well.
I ask all voters and lovers of Thurles, to think logically and to support Thurles and North Tipperary, by electing Jim Ryan to the 34th Dáil.
You know it makes sense, otherwise we will have nothingfor the next 5 years; yet again.
“Free Parking” in Thurles, Co. Tipperary will exist throughout the town for the first 30 minutes of each day, starting from Sunday December 1st next. Sounds great on paper, but of course local residents and particularly a much diminished group of business owners are fully aware that car parking in Thurles town centre has mostly been eradicated. Indeed, dare any ‘Joe Soap’, (i.e. any foolish stooge or scapegoat) consumer should park his/her motor vehicle here in any of the provided loading bays, when a traffic warden is in situ; they will quickly realise that same are reserved for the free parking of SHOWTIME trucks, same involved in advertising the fizzog of Fianna Fáil Councillor Mr Michael Smith on a giant screen. (Remind me again what has Councillor Michael Smith ever done for Thurles, that he should be elevated to further rule over us?).
Half Day Free parking on a Thurles loading bay for FF Councillor Michael Smith.
In the meantime, we understand that motorists and heavy goods vehicles will experience a new traffic layout for 4 days, between Tuesday 26th November beginning at 8.30am, until close of business, ending on Friday 29th November.
This new trial traffic layout will see the south/west side of Liberty Square (Area in front of Supermac’s Restaurant), reduced to one lane and with restricted parking, leading into Friar Street. Parking will be also restricted on the central traffic island. Observations made during this trial period will then be reported on and will influence a decision expected to be discussed by elected councillors at an agreed and convened meeting set for December 4th next. According to local businesses, if the existing plans are accepted by elected local councillors, this currently existing plan, will hasten the total annihilation of Thurles town centre over the following 12 month period.
Pied Wagtail colony currently residing in West Liberty Square.
Parking in the 3 car parks in Thurles will be free on the first three Saturdays in December, (i.e. Saturday December 7th, Saturday December 14th and Saturday 21st). Officials have failed to note that the 3 only existing car parks are normally packed anyway, while 2 existing car parks remain closed, with little effort being made to speedily upgrade existing car park under The Source building, now closed foe over a year. Interesting to note; the Great Famine Victorian farm sheds, situated close to “The Source” building, which has brought about the closure of a second town car park, (designated to be reduced in size, with the aforementioned existing sheds set to be converted into yet another restaurant for whom a tenant is yet to be acquired), is now delayed due to the Common Pipistrelle and Soprano Pipistrelle Bat species and Common House Sparrow being in situ, same non rent paying sitting tenants. Compare this existing situation, to the trees due to be annihilated in Liberty Square, under the current proposed Phase 2 town centre plan. The tops of these trees are currently home to over 1,000 ‘black bib and crown’ Pied Wagtails, latter who reside there nightly all year around. Will environmental officers also be employed to take their soon to be declared homeless plight into due consideration when existing mature trees are replaced by other overgrown shrubs?
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