PLANNING PERMISSION HAS been granted for a new state-of-the-art hospital to replace the ageing Central Mental Hospital.

An Bord Pleanála has approved plans the new 120-bed National Forensic Hospital and two 10-bed specialist units in Portrane, Co Dublin.

The current 84-bed hospital in Dundrum, south Dublin, first opened in 1850s and is considered antiquated.

Junior Minister Kathleen Lynch said in a statement that she expects the modern facilities to become operational by 2018.

She commented that Ireland has been playing “catch-up” in a bid to provide funding and facilities for mental health services, but said the necessary resources are now being prioritised.

“Patients, their families and staff will benefit from transferring from an antiquated building to state-of the-art facilities in a new modern forensic setting,” the Minister added.

As well as the National Forensic Hospital, the new site will also provide specialist services for those with intellectual disabilities, as well as child and adolescent mental health services.

Minister for Health Leo Varadkar said:

Those who need help with their mental health are right to expect treatment in modern conditions. This new state-of-the-art facility will go a long way to meet that demand.

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