The Need for a Designated 24/7 Mental Health Facility in County Wexford Raised In The Seanad

County Wexford, one of the fastest-growing counties in Ireland, is facing a critical need for a mental health care facility that serves its growing population. With nearly 175,000 people currently residing in Wexford, the demand for accessible mental health services has never been more pressing. That's according to Senator Cathal Byrne who brought the matter to the Seanad yesterday (Thursday November 6th) For years, there has been a campaign calling for a dedicated, 24/7 mental health bed facility within the county. Unfortunately, despite much discussion and advocacy, no significant action has been taken to make this a reality. A designated mental health facility in Wexford would provide essential care close to home for those who need it most. At the moment, residents in need of mental health support must travel outside the county, often to Waterford, to receive care. While the staff and services in Waterford are excellent, this situation is not sustainable for a county with such a rapidly expanding population. Senator Byrne said that local charities like It’s Good to Talk are doing incredible work to support mental health. These organizations have stepped in where the state has fallen short, but they should not be expected to shoulder the responsibility of providing vital mental health services. This is a task for the government, not local charities, to address. The need for a local facility is urgent. The county's growing population means that more and more people are experiencing mental health challenges, and they deserve the right to receive treatment within their own community. People should not have to endure the added stress and inconvenience of traveling long distances to access care. Senator Byrne is calling on the government to step up and take meaningful action.