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Catherine Byrne T.D Minister of State for Communities and National Drugs Strategy pictured on a visit to Talbot Grove, Castleisland with seated from left, Ted Kennelly, Evelyn Curtin, Con Cremin and Eileen Murphy. At back, Marie McEllistrim, Maedbh O’Connor, Rhona O’Regan, Tony O’Leary, Peggy Keane and Anthony Dinan. Photo: Don MacMonagle
THE Minister of State for Communities and National Drugs Strategy, Catherine Byrne TD, paid a visit to Talbot Grove, addiction treatment centre, in Castleisland last Friday.
Minister Byrne was invited by Talbot Grove Executive Director, Con Cremin, who gave her a guided tour and introduced her to key members of the team and those receiving treatment at the centre.
Con Cremin and Minister Byrne discussed the challenges of providing these services with what is essentially a self-financing voluntary organisation, while acknowledging the support from the HSE and the Southern Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force which comes under the remit of her department.
He also outlined to Minister Byrne their major development plans for new facilities on their grounds in Castleisland, which will ensure the continuity of this valuable service for future generations and emerging needs.
Minister Byrne committed her support to Talbot Grove in accessing Capital Funding from the State toward the development plans.
The only facility of its kind in the South West of Ireland, Talbot Grove, was established in 1993 to provide a local residential service for people with addictions, including alcohol, gambling, drugs and other related issues and to support families living with addiction.
Talbot Grove has also been selected for the second year running as one of the principal charities of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle to help with fundraising for the planned development.
