Nenagh Community Nursing Unit Officially Opened by the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Simon Harris TD, and Minister of State for Older People and Housing, Kieran O’Donnell TD

- 50 residential beds, including 5 respite beds and a palliative care suite containing two dedicated bedrooms

- Homelike environment designed to support dignity, independence, and reduced isolation

- Emphasis on sustainability, energy efficiency and resident wellbeing

A milestone moment for the people of Nenagh and its hinterland was marked by the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris TD, and Minister of State for Older People and Housing Kieran O’Donnell TD, as they officially opened the new Community Nursing Unit in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.

The new unit adjacent to Nenagh Hospital built with an investment of €23 million, provides residents with a modern, bright and spacious living environment with generous outdoor recreation spaces.

The Community Nursing Unit (CNU) has 50 resident bedrooms, including five respite beds and a palliative care suite with two dedicated bedrooms. It also features a wide range of communal and support accommodation including a central reception area, catering facilities, reflection room, resident day spaces, hairdressing room, visitor rooms, family overnight accommodation and a production kitchen.

Speaking as he met residents this morning, the Tánaiste said,

Minister O’Donnell speaking at the opening,“ Ensuring necessary and appropriate supports for older peoples’ health and wellbeing is an absolute priority for me as Minister of State for Older People. The new Nenagh Community Nursing Unit clearly illustrates the commitment of this Government to enhance community services for older people.

“This new state-of-the-art 50-bed unit is a major addition to services for older people in Nenagh and North Tipperary and will ensure that they can receive both short and long-term care closer to their families and communities.

“I would like to thank all the staff at Nenagh CNU for their tireless efforts and to acknowledge the work of the HSE in delivering this important project.”

Following completion of Phase 1 works last year, Nenagh CNU welcomed its first 20 residents to the Abbey Unit on 15 October 2025. The Ormond Unit opened in January 2026, bringing the facility to full 50‑bed occupancy.

Registered with HIQA in October 2025, the new unit meets the needs of older persons across all dependency levels. Each resident is supported through an individualised, person‑centred care plan. The multidisciplinary care team includes nursing, medical, healthcare assistant, allied health and support staff.

The names of the two 24‑bed residential units, The Ormond Unit and The Abbey Unit, reflect key elements of Nenagh’s history. 'An tAonach', the Irish name for Nenagh, means ‘the market’. As Nenagh developed around the Market of Ormond, growing into a major administrative centre in the 12th century, it inspired the name of The Ormond Unit. The Abbey Unit honours the Nenagh Franciscan Abbey, founded around 1250, still located south of the town’s main street.

Sandra Broderick, Regional Executive Officer, HSE Mid West, commented, “I am delighted for all the residents at Nenagh CNU to have officially marked the opening of their amazing new home here in North Tipperary. I want to thank the residents, their families, and people of North Tipperary for their forbearance during the delayed opening of this new centre which was temporarily used as a rehab facility for 12 months to the benefit of hundreds of people across this region. I wish our lovely residents every happiness in their new home. Finally, I want to acknowledge the tremendous engagement, efforts, and compassionate leadership of our staff in making the transition to this new facility such a wonderful success. We are proud to work alongside you all.”

Christine Ivers, Director of Nursing, Nenagh CNU, added, “The residents of Nenagh CNU are at the centre of all we do each day. It was important to us that residents, their families and our staff were consulted and involved in planning and naming the new CNU from the outset. The activities provided by staff, support integration of the residents within their community, some crowd favourites include musical sessions through the ‘Musicians on Call Programme’ and time spent with Bella, the therapy dog.

The new CNU provides residents with a living environment that allows for independence, health and wellbeing; a safe therapeutic setting in which the rights, privacy, dignity and confidentiality of residents are respected; and a space where staff can provide care in line with best practice, supported by families and friends who contribute to creating a warm, homely atmosphere.”

The development places a strong focus on sustainability and modern building performance. The facility includes naturally ventilated spaces, air source heat pumps, high‑efficiency heating systems, LED lighting, Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) and smart metering. The building achieved an A3 BER, supported by photovoltaic technology contributing to renewable energy targets.