Shock as Navan elderly day care service to close this Friday

Elderly people who rely on the vital Loreto Day Service have been dealt a devastating blow with news that the service is to close on Friday.

The shock decision leaves the 120 elderly people who attend the centre without this invaluable lifeline that provides a social outlet as well as health checks, hot meals and advocacy services.

Fears had been mounting the service would close after a fire officers report found several serious fire safety issues with the building that needed urgent attention.

However, news that it is to end so suddenly  has come as a shock to clients and their families.

Navan Mayor Tommy Reilly has expressed his outrage at the closure. He said: 'It's an absolute disgrace to see 120 people thrown out on the street.  For these people, this is their lifeline, they have no other outlet one day a week and for the relatives that are looking after them, it is the only 6 or 7 hour break they get out of the 7 days.

He said he has been taking calls all afternoon from people who are devastated by the sudden closure.

'There are alternative buildings arround the town and its vital we get this service open again as soon as possible,' said Cllr Reilly.

For more on this story see this week's Meath Chronicle