A children's home run by the Health Service Executive (HSE) in south Dublin has been shut down following an inspection by the Irish Social Services Inspectorate (ISSI).
The HSE admitted yesterday that "significant concerns were raised" by inspectors after they visited St Mary's residential home in Sandymount earlier this month. It is understood the inspectors had major concerns for the welfare of the young people, some of them teenagers.
They found the home was poorly run and that recommendations made following a previous inspection had not been acted on.
The home accommodated three teenagers who have now had to be found alternative accommodation.
The HSE confirmed yesterday that following an inspection by the ISSI earlier this month, "significant concerns were raised".
It said that on foot of these concerns, the HSE took immediate precautionary measures to have the residents of the centre moved to appropriate alternative accommodation.
"An investigation into the issues raised by the inspection has been initiated," it added.