Two designated centres for adults with disabilities in Donegal have received positive reports following announced HIQA inspections.
Sliabh Glas was inspected in June, with five residents present. All regulations were found to be compliant, apart from premises, which was rated as substantially compliant.
Meanwhile, three residents were present during an inspection at Dunwiley in July, where all regulations were found to be fully compliant.
Media Statement
HIQA Inspection – Sliabh Glás– OSV-0002518
13 October 2026
Sliabh Glás is a designated centre operated by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and provides residential support services to five residents with intellectual disabilities. The centre comprises a dormer-style bungalow and a separate annex, located on the outskirts of a large town in County Donegal.
Within the main residence, each resident has their own private bedroom and access to shared amenities including a kitchen, sitting room, utility room, and communal bathroom facilities. The annex consists of an open-plan kitchen and living area, two bedrooms, and a shared bathroom. The centre is staffed on a 24-hour basis by a team of registered nurses and healthcare assistants. Dedicated transport is available to support residents in accessing community-based facilities, appointments, social activities, and other opportunities that promote inclusion and participation within their local community.
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) conducted an announced inspection of the designated centre on 22 June 2026.
During the inspection, the inspector reviewed both the formal and informal supports available to residents during periods of bereavement and loss. The inspector was assured that appropriate governance arrangements and person-centred supports were in place to assist residents through all stages of life, including periods of bereavement, grief, and loss.
Seventeen regulations were reviewed as part of the inspection. Of these, sixteen regulations were assessed as fully compliant, with one regulation assessed as substantially compliant.
In response to the findings of the inspection, the HSE has undertaken the following actions to achieve full compliance within the centre:
- Agreement has been reached between the landlord and the HSE regarding the upgrade of the bathroom facilities. A detailed scope of works has been developed by the HSE and issued through the appropriate procurement and tendering process.
HSE Disability Services within the Donegal Integrated Healthcare Area remains committed to ensuring that effective governance, quality assurance, and safety systems are maintained within the Sliabh Glás Designated Centre. Through ongoing oversight, continuous quality improvement, and person-centred service delivery, the service will continue to support positive outcomes and ensure that residents experience safe, high-quality care and support in accordance with their individual needs and preferences.
Media Statement
HIQA Inspection – Dunwiley OSV-0005489
13 October 2026
Dunwiley Designated Centre is managed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and provides residential support for three residents. The facility consists of a detached bungalow and is situated on a small campus within walking distance of a large town in County Donegal. All residents have their own bedroom and access to shared amenities, including a kitchen, dining room, sitting room, a clinic/visitors room, and bathroom facilities. A dedicated team of nurses and healthcare assistants provides 24/7 support to residents.
The Health Information Quality Authority (HIQA) carried out an announced inspection of this centre on the 08 July 2026 and the report was published on the HIQA website on 13 October 2026.
Feedback from the HIQA Survey questionnaires completed by the residents indicated that all residents were happy with their home and the service they receive. The feedback was very positive, one indicating a staff member who got a special mention when asked ‘are people in your home kind’, another indicating the resident “is thriving in Dunwiley”. Families expressed strong satisfaction with the care, support, and overall service being provided in this centre.
During the inspection, twenty-one regulations were inspected, and all regulations were found to be fully compliant.
HSE Disability Services in the Donegal Integrated Healthcare Area will continue to work to ensure that robust governance, quality and safety arrangements are in place within Dunwiley to ensure high quality services are experienced by all residents.
