Disappointment as HSE has no plans to re-open Sacred Heart Chapel

The HSE has no plans at the moment to reopen the chapel at the Sacred Heart Hospital.

At a regional health forum, Independent councillor Emer Kelly asked the HSE for a response on the current status of the chapel, saying it is a concern. She said the chapel has been closed for some time now and that this was raised as an urgent concern at a meeting of the council. She added that the attendance of a local priest regularly to celebrate Mass had been identified as a positive in a HIQA report.

The HSE in its written response said the chapel was closed in September 2023.

“The Fire Regulation Authority (FRA) identified significant deficits with compartmentation in the workhouse building and the adjoining chapel attached to it. The decision was made to clear and separate the workhouse and adjoining chapel from the designated centre,” it said. “This ensured the designated centre could secure HIQA compliance and allowed the centre to re-open up to admissions. At this present time, there are no plans to reopen the chapel.” 

The HSE said it would be open to revisiting the possibility of looking at the restoration of the chapel/workhouse area when work on the current replacement bed project is completed. A room is currently provided as a prayer space for private prayer and where Mass can be celebrated for the residents of the sacred Heart Hospital.

Speaking at the forum, Cllr Kelly said she was quite disappointed by the answer.

“It is quite a concern and has been raised with multiple members of Roscommon County Council,” she said.

Integrated health area manager for Galway and Roscommon, Ann Cosgrove said there was no facility for the community but there was a prayer space for the residents.

“The project (the new 50 bed unit) that is currently underway won’t be completed until mid-next year,” Ms Cosgrove said. “We may revisit it at that point, but at this point in time, there aren’t any plans.” 

She added that if the chapel was going to come back into use, investment would be required.

“That might be a conversation for the council and HSE Estates,” she said.