A health board home for people suffering from mental illness, which was the subject of protests from residents in a rural area in north county Dublin earlier this year, was officially opened yesterday.
Carlton House in Lispopple, near Swords, was blessed by local clergy and a cherry blossom tree was planted by the chairwoman of the Northern Area Health Board (NAHB), Ms Anne Devitt.
A number of the residents are former patients of the St Ita's hospital psychiatric service in Portrane. This institutional model of care is now being phased out in favour of a community environment for those suited to it.
The house now has six residents, three male and three female, ranging in age from late 20s to early 50s. It was opened to around 60 guests, who joined the residents and their families for lunch yesterday.
According to one staff member, the six residents have been very happy at Carlton House. "They have all done really well here and there has been a major improvement in their condition."
The residents carry out house-keeping and gardening duties. The large bungalow is impeccably decorated and maintained.
Ms Bernie Roche and her husband Michael from Coolock, Dublin, were there to visit their son Paul, a former resident of the St Ita's service.
Paul very much enjoyed living at Carlton House, they said. "We used to pray when he was in St Ita's that we'd win the Lotto and we could buy a place like this, and here we have it," Ms Roche said.
Ms Devitt said it was important to reflect that there are some people in society who "for a variety of reasons, need support during some stages of their lives, and in some instances, all of their lives".
"These people need a voice and it is important that we listen to them, understand their needs and continue to develop services to meet their needs.
"The decision to proceed with plans to move patients into this home did indeed come up against some local opposition. But I knew that it was a right and just decision for you who were relying on us to fight your case and looking forward to moving into your new home," said Ms Devitt.
The NAHB chief executive, Ms Maureen Windle, said mental illness had traditionally been a hidden illness that people were embarrassed to talk about. However, it was widely acknowledged that one in four women and one in 10 men would suffer depression during their lifetime, she said.