Victory for Slieve Roe

Mourne’s Community Spirit Wins the Day

Speaking after receiving the news that Slieve Roe has been saved the MP for the area said;

“News that Slieve Roe and its residents will remain on site and that the Trust will look at the future development of Slieve Roe as a centre of care is not only a victory for the community today but a victory on behalf of many generations to come, who because of the great campaign run by the community in 2009 will be able to avail of this service in the future.

I felt privileged and proud to be involved in the campaign for Sieve Roe. The Community of Mourne showed such strength and solidarity that the campaign could never have been a failure whatever the outcome.

This victory cannot and should not be underestimated, at a time when front line services are being cut and care for the elderly forced into the community throughout Northern Ireland.

I commend the Trust for listening to our warnings and advice. to accepting the case that Slieve Roe was not ready for closure but ready for development and expansion and that Slieve Roe is situated ideally to offer a residential health village provision for our elderly in the Mourne area.

This fight is won but the battle to retain health services continues. I call on the community to, as they did during this campaign, give practical support to Slieve Roe in the years to come, to support our local services and take this as an example that people power is still a force of change

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