Fury over John of God clinic in estates

January 2003

PLANS to locate a behavioural treatment clinic in the midst of a cluster of northside housing estates in Arklow have sparked an angry reaction from residents.

Furious residents from housing estates at Briggs Lane have signed a petition opposing plans for a St John of God’s clinic at Ticknock Close.

Plans to set up a similar treatment centre at Knockmore, a new housing estate on the southern outskirts of Arklow, had to be abandoned after the proposal met with fierce opposition.

Town Hall has confirmed that an application has been received from St John of God’s seeking permission to convert a house at Ticknock Close to clinical use.

Chairman of the local healthcare committee, Cllr Nicky Kelly claimed it was totally inappropriate to locate a behavioural treatment clinic in a housing estate.

A spokesman for St John of God’s said that it would be a child and family clinic.

‘It will be serving the local community. We have not had any complaints about any of our clinics. They are held during the day and we have a positive response in general to these clinics. We have Lucena Clinics in Bray and we are in the process of opening one in Wicklow town. We are now looking to facilitate the people of Arklow in the same way.’

Cllr Kelly said that people were concerned that proper, long term investment should take place on upgrading the Health Centre and expanding the service there.