“Today is a landmark day for mental health services across Waterford and particularly here in Dungarvan and the west of the county,” according to Minister of State with responsibility for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD, speaking at the official opening of the new facility in recent weeks.

The Minister noted how, “some time ago, it was identified that a more modern standard of accommodation was required for those whose high support mental health care was provided for in Springmount House. I know from previous visits to Springmount that an alternative was a priority, notwithstanding the excellent supports provided by HSE staff and the convivial atmosphere maintained there for those who needed the service.

“I’ve worked hard on this project, right through from ensuring the site was identified, purchased by the HSE to getting the work underway on the development of this fine facility at the end of 2022. We stand here today in what I think we all acknowledge is a very fine facility and I know it will be appreciated as a significant part of the range of mental health supports available to and for people in communities throughout West Waterford.”

Welcoming the Minister, Dr Sinéad Reynolds, Integrated Healthcare Manager, explained how “the HSE is here to support those with  mental health needs. We encourage individuals and/or their families, in the event of any issue they have, to make contact with a GP or to consult the various services. The HSE’s dedicated mental health staff are committed to the provision of a high quality and safe mental health service to the population we serve. In that regard, we are delighted to have the Minister with responsibility for Mental Health here marking our investment in upgrading our facilities.”  

Sinead continued:

“The role and function of Seabreeze, as a high support community residence, is to enhance the personal autonomy of adults with enduring mental illness and to enable those individuals to lead as fulfilling a life as possible. By November of last year, occupants of Springmount House were able to move into the massively upgraded new surroundings that was the fully complete Seabreeze. I’d like to thank to thank all the staff working in Seabreeze and those HSE colleagues providing supports to it.”

Other guests in attendance at the opening event included Councillor Jason Murphy, Mayor of Waterford, Paula Dwan, Manager, Waterford Wexford Mental Health Services, and Willie Browne Clinical Nurse Manager 2, Seabreeze.

Developed on a stand-alone 1.9 acre site on the Youghal Rd, Seabreeze extends over two blocks hosting 10 en suite single bedrooms and two apartments, with an adjoining third block featuring communal facilities and administrative offices.

Built at a cost of €6.4 million, it replaces accommodation previously provided at Springmount House, which is located on the grounds of Dungarvan Community Hospital.

The project has been nominated in the healthcare projects category of the Irish Building and Design Awards 2025.