Milford Care Centre to open facility in Limerick town

MILFORD Care Centre is set to open a facility in Limerick’s county town.

The charity, which has provided specialist palliative care for generations of Limerick people, has had a presence in Newcastle West for many years.

It’s currently based at the Carnegie Centre in Bishop Street in the town, and previously on the St Ita’s Campus.

Now, it is seeking planning permission from Limerick City and County Council to open a dedicated office of its own.

Milford Care Centre management are seeking to re-purpose the existing HSE dental clinic.

A spokesperson for the health service confirmed this facility at Gortboy will relocate in the new primary healthcare facility planned for Newcastle West.

In documents submitted to Limerick City and County Council, agents acting for Milford Care Centre described the dental surgery as “ideally suited to Milford Care Centre’s current needs.”

“The proposed base will primarily be office accommodation for the care team who service Newcastle West at the hinterland.

The current proposals are minimal, but do affect the front elevation of the existing building and therefore require planning permission.

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“As the building will continue to support healthcare services, it is deemed there is no change of use,” the agent wrote in a letter to council.

In a statement issued to the Limerick Leader, a Milford Care Centre spokesperson also confirmed the news about the opening in Newcastle West.

“Milford Care Centre has recently obtained the lease for the dental clinic located in Gortboy, Newcastle West from the HSE. The proposed changes outlined in the planning application aim to enhance the current facility, providing additional office space to accommodate the specialist palliative community multi-disciplinary team serving West Limerick. This expansion will foster a better working environment for our dedicated community team,” a spokesperson said.

Councillor Michael Collins, who is based in Newcastle West has welcomed the retention of the HSE dental facility.

“It’s available and used by families of children and communities right across West Limerick. So it’s very welcome to have it maintained,” he said.