Minister for State ‘sad’ to hear of Tipperary addiction service closure

Minister for State with responsibility for mental health and older people has said she is saddened to hear of the closure of Carmha in Nenagh.

Carmha provided community based support to people with addiction issues and dual diagnosis.

In 2021, the organisation suffered financial difficulties related to access to grants and ceased operations in 2022.

However, it was this week that the group made the announcement on Facebook, saying:

“It is with deepest regret that we announce Carma has ceased operating since December 2022 due to circumstances beyond our control.

If you are seeking support, the North Tipp Drug and Alcohol Services in Nenagh can be contacted at 067 46502.”

When asked by the Tipperary Star at this week’s Fianna Fail think-in, Ms Butler said she was not aware of the services closure but was ‘sad’ to hear of it now.

“I didn’t realise that they had closed, and I am sorry to hear that,” said Ms Butler.

The Minister for State also said that addiction and public health services are the responsibility of r Minister of State for Public Health, Well Being and the National Drugs Strategy, Hildegarde Naughton.

And that she would speak to her about it.

She said she was delighted to announce recently a new model for dual diagnosis. Carmha was started by addiction councillor

Donal Ryan and Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Marie Oppeboen.

They wanted to create a space to support people struggling with addiction and mental health challenges, more commonly known as dual diagnosis.

Carmha stands for Connection and Recovery in Mental Health and Addiction.

The centre, which was based on Silver Street Nenagh, provided counselling and peer support services for those in recovery.

However, funding was a problem, with the group launching an appeal at Christmas in 2021. And despite pleas from Tipperary TD Jackie Cahill in spring 2022, no extra funding was made available to save the service.