Report presented to PAC members said the closure of the Owenacurra Centre is 'unjustified on grounds of service provision needs in East Cork for a very vulnerable client group'

Records released under FOI show senior clinician raised concern about impact of facility's closure on residents and services

It is now a year since the residents of the East Cork centre were told they would be moved on and there is no resolution in sight

A meeting to discuss the campaign to prevent the closure of Owenacurra mental health centre has heard that the HSE has made “the last nine months an absolute hell” for the facility’s residents.

Mental Health Minister Mary Butler said decision to close facility would not be reversed

The centre "provides us with a safe place where our mental health, and not our illness, is prioritised", the letter to Mr Martin read.

The selling parties of the new facility were the sister and brother-in-law of the current acting head of mental health services for the Cork/Kerry region.

The Public Accounts Committee recently received correspondence from local Green Party councillor Liam Quaide requesting that it investigate the procurement process involved.

A number of local public representatives and families of Owenacurra residents have written to members of the Oireachtas Health Committee, requesting a visit from members to the Owenacurra Centre

Families and local politicians have campaigned for the 20-bed facility, which also offers day services and respite care, to remain open

Closure of the 20-bed Midleton mental health facility, which the HSE had slated for closure at the end of October but which is set to remain open in the short term over concerns about rehousing some residents, has been the subject of an outcry from locals