DONABATE Portrane Community Council (DPCC) has condemned the failure of the Government and the HSE to consult with the community over reported plans to relocate the Central Mental Hospital to the area.

Speculation has continued to mount over suggestions the secure facility could be moved from its current location in Dundrum to the grounds of St Ita's Hospital in Portrane. The community council wrote to the Minister for Health, Mary Harney, last summer seeking clarification on the issue and a letter was also sent to the Minister for Justice, Dermot Ahern.

At the same, HSE officials in north Dublin said the group would be kept fully informed of any developments planned for St Ita's. However, neither minister has since responded.

'This is a huge decision that will impact on this community for generations to come,' DPCC vice-chairman, Dr Stephen O'Sullivan said. 'There has been no consultation with anyone of the community regarding this decision.'

Dr O'Sullivan said the community council had so far reserved its position on any move to relocate the central mental hospital to Portrane, while calling for full dialogue with the general public.

' We know as little about this proposal as anyone who reads a newspaper,' he continued. 'There is no way we can have a position on something we know almost nothing about.

'At this stage, our position is that we will not be pushed aside by Government departments and anything that has been decided behind closed doors must be rolled back to allow for proper community consultation.' The community council representative highlighted that fact the Donabate-Po r t rane peninsula did not have a garda station, adding there was only one access road to Portrane and few other facilities in the area.

He noted the area had a long tradition of being a caring community with a number of facilities located in the two villages, but he said this did not mean the goodwill of the community should be taken for granted.

'It is important for the departments of health and justice and for the HSE to understand that they have a duty to the community to keep it informed of their plans for St Ita's and they are required to consult the community,' Dr O'Sullivan added.

- Robin KIELY