The Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa), which inspected Moy Lodge Residential Centre in Mayo, has not released a report on the findings.
Hiqa published five inspection reports on centres operated by Western Care Association.
It said that following receipt of information of concern regarding the care and support provided to residents and the overarching governance of the organisation, Hiqa’s Chief Inspector of Social Services initiated a targeted inspection programme across a selected cohort of designated centres operated by the provider in May 2025.
The targeted programme identified deficits in critical areas where improvements were required such as governance and management, risk management and positive behaviour support.
“These findings were of significant concern to the Chief Inspector as Western Care Association has been subject to ongoing regulatory engagement with Hiqa since March 2023, including through the submission of improvement plans and enhanced series of inspections,” it said.
“The findings of the recent inspections in May 2025 and other inspections of designated centres operated by the provider have resulted in a range of escalated actions such as the issuing of warning notices to further ensure improvements across the organisation.
“In addition, due to continued findings of significant concern, the registration of one designated centre was cancelled, and this centre is currently being operated by the HSE.”
An action plan to address issues has been agreed by the Western Care Association. The Irish Independent has contacted the organisation for comment.
Separately, Hiqa inspectors highlighted poor governance and safeguarding incidents impacted on residents at a centre operated by St Joseph’s Foundation.
In addition, improvements were required to support residents’ rights and dining arrangements.
Residents were impacted by poor governance and safeguarding incidents at a centre operated by St Michael’s House. Residents’ living arrangements also required improvement.
Poor governance at a centre operated by the Cheshire Foundation in Ireland undermined the care being provided to residents. Improvements were required in staffing and in meeting residents’ nutritional needs.
Improvements were required in areas such as management of residents’ healthcare, medications, and staffing to support their needs across two centres operated by Stewarts Care DAC.
Hiqa released 24 inspection reports on designated centres for people with disabilities.
Of these 24 inspections, inspectors found a generally good level of compliance with the regulations and standards in 14 centres operated by a number of providers including: Redwood Extended Care Facility Unlimited Company; St Christopher’s Services CLG; St John of God Community Services CLG; Stewarts Care DAC; Sunbeam House Services CLG; Talbot Care Unlimited Company; WALK CLG; and Waterford Intellectual Disability Association CLG.