HIQA has posted reports following inspections of two centres for people with disabilities in Donegal.
Sliabh Glas Community Group Home was found to be compliant and substantially compliant, while Ard Clochar Community Group Homes recorded no non-compliances.
There were six residents at Sliabh Glas Community Group Home when the unannounced inspection took place in July.
Inspectors found that residents were receiving a safe and person-centred service and staff members were found to be knowledgeable about the needs of residents, their individual communication preferences and the supports required.
The report found that the centre were substantially compliant in the areas of positive behavioural support, risk management procedures and premises.
HIQA say some improvements were required to ensure full compliance with the regulations, which would further enhance the good care provided.
You can read the full report on Sliabh Glas Community Group Home here.
Meanwhile, there were nine residents present when the unannounced inspection took place at Ard Clochar Community Group Homes in July.
No non-compliances were recorded, with the report saying the centre offered a good service to residents and safeguarding was well managed, with residents telling the
inspector that if they had any concerns, they would be happy to speak to staff and were confident that any issues raised would be addressed.
You can read the full report on Ard Clochar Community Group Homes here.
HSE Statement HIQA Inspection – Ard Clochar Community Group Homes:
Ard Clochar Community Group Homes designated centre is managed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and provides residential support for nine residents with disabilities. The centre is comprised of two interconnected purpose-built bungalows.
Residents in each bungalow have their own bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. In addition, residents have access to communal areas in each bungalow which include a sitting room, kitchen dining room, laundry room and additional bathroom facilities. The centre is located within a residential area of a rural town and is close to local amenities such as shops and cafes. Residents have access to an adapted vehicle at the centre which further enables them to access amenities such as leisure facilities in the surrounding area. Residents are supported by a staff team of nurses and health care assistants on a 24-hour basis.
The inspection was an unannounced thematic safeguarding inspection undertaken by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) on 24 and 25 July 2025 and the report was published on the HIQA website on 21 November 2025.
The inspector noted “This centre offered a good service to residents, where residents told the inspector they got to do the things they enjoyed and were happy living in the centre.” Residents also informed the inspector that if they had any concerns, they would be happy to speak to staff and were confident that any issues raised would be addressed.
Ten regulations were inspected and all received a compliant judgment.
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 Ard Clochar to ensure high quality services are experienced ongoing by its residents.
HSE Statement HIQA Inspection – Sliabh Glas:
Sliabh Glas designated centre is managed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and provides residential support to six residents with a disability. The centre is comprised of a dormer style bungalow and separate annex, and is located on the outskirts of a large town in County Donegal. Within the main house each resident has their own bedroom and has access to a kitchen, sitting-room, utility room, communal bathroom. The annex has an open plan kitchen and living area, two bedroom and a shared bathroom. The centre is staffed on a 24 hour basis by nurses and healthcare assistants. Transport is provided to accommodate the residents of Sliabh Glas in accessing community based facilities and activities.
The Health Information and Quality Authority carried out an unannounced safeguarding inspection at Sliabh Glas on 15 and 16 July 2025 and the report was published on the HIQA website on 21 November 2025.
The inspector met with a number of residents during the course of the inspection. Throughout the inspection, residents were observed relaxing in their home, watching television and listening to music. There was a friendly and relaxed atmosphere in the house, with light banter observed between residents and staff. The inspector noted that residents were supported to take part in a wide variety of activities and residents spoke to the inspector about their recent trips in Ireland and abroad. Residents were consulted about the running of the centre and their views were sought through regular residents meetings. The inspector also spoke to staff members who were knowledgeable about the needs of residents, their individual communication preferences and the supports required.
Nine regulations were inspected, six received a compliant judgement and three regulations were deemed to be substantially compliant. The service has undertaken the following actions to ensure full compliance within the centre:
The National Advocacy Service is now providing support to a resident to establish their will and preference in relation to alternative accommodation.
Risk assessments have been reviewed for one resident pertaining to social outings.
An environmental restrictive practice protocol has been updated to reflect current practices and will be reviewed on a quarterly basis.
HSE Disability Services in the Donegal Integrated Healthcare Area will continue to work to ensure that robust governance, quality and safety measures are in place within the Sliabh Glas designated centre to ensure high quality supports and services are experienced by all residents.
