Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has warmly welcomed confirmation that the Seven Springs Day Centre in Loughrea has returned to a five-day-per-week service commencing yesterday (August 25^th), following a successful HIQA inspection.

The centre, which was purpose-built to serve older people and their families, was closed in March 2020 due to COVID-19 and only partially reopened in the years since. Its full reopening today marks the end of a four-year-long campaign by the local community to restore services to pre-pandemic levels.

“This is the culmination of a long and determined campaign, and I want to sincerely thank the people of Loughrea for their perseverance and support throughout this battle,” said Minister Canney.

“I particularly wish to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of Mattie Quinn, Pat O’Looney and Anna Cronin from the Loughrea Concerned Citizens Group and Cllr Geraldine Donohue – it has been a real pleasure to work alongside them in achieving this outcome. Their determination has ensured that the purpose-built Seven Springs Day Centre will once again be the centre of excellence it was designed to be, offering a vital outlet for day care service users, their families and carers.”

Minister Canney added that he looks forward to seeing Seven Springs continue to thrive and provide vital services to older people, their families and carers across Loughrea and the surrounding area.