THE HEALTH AND safety watchdog has proposed cancelling the registrations of three centres for disabled people that are run by Camphill Communities, following repeated non-compliance with safety standards.

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) said it found evidence of mismanagement of residents’ finances, black mould, non-completion of required training for staff and centres being in general bad condition.

It also reported a “large volume” of concern for residents’ care and support, as well as the governance of the organisation. As a result, the health and safety watchdog inspected all 12 centres run by Camphill throughout June and July 2025.

The inspections found “substantive deficits” in key areas of governance and management, staffing, safeguarding and risk management across a number of the centres. This was found to be negatively impacting upon residents living in these centres.

Camphill Communities of Ireland previously had registrations for two centres cancelled in Kilkenny (2017) and Wexford (2021).

The June and July 2025 inspections identified particular issues relating to care and safety in Dunshane (Kildare), Grangebeg (Kildare), Dingle (Kerry) and Kyle (Kilkenny).

Non-compliant

In reports released today, Grangebeg centre and Dunshane centre in Co Kildare were found to be non-compliant to legal requirements’ under all grounds they were inspected on.

Kyle centre in Co Kilkenny was found to be non-compliant under four of the five grounds it was inspected on, while a centre in Dingle Co Kerry was found to be non-compliant on eight grounds.

As a result of the findings, HIQA’s chief inspector has issued a formal warning for one centre and proposed cancelling the registrations of three designated centres – Grangebeg, Kyle and Dunshane .

HIQA said the chief inspector “continues to have concerns regarding the registered provider’s ability to demonstrate consistent and effective governance nationally and implement national improvement planning at a local designated-centre level”.

HIQA’s Interim Deputy Chief Inspector with responsibility for disability services, Ciara McShane, said: “All services should deliver safe, effective and appropriate care and support for residents.”

“We have conducted further inspections of centres operated by this provider to ensure improvements are made and sustained for residents, and we will publish reports on those inspections in due course. HIQA’s Chief Inspector will continue to use its powers to drive improvements in services for residents.”