HSE South West has confirmed that there are no longer any residents living at the mental health care facility at Perrott House in Skibbereen, but the staff are still in situ.

A spokesperson for the HSE said: ‘Staff are now finalising some essential operational tasks at Perrott House as part of the closure process.

‘This includes an equipment inventory and review, and secure management of medical records, including the requirement to comply with retention requirements.’ Independent Ireland leader, Michael Collins (TD) had repeatedly raised this issue, and questioned the impact the loss of another mental health care facility would have in West Cork.

For years, he had been complaining that the facility was being closed by stealth, but the HSE denied that this was the case. The Cork South West TD made the point that at full strength Perrott House could accommodate 15-people in need of medium to long-term access to mental health services.

In 2020, Perrot House had 13 patients in residence and was said to be compliant with all of the HSE’s rules and regulations, however, the number of residents dropped to five in June 2025.

In April of this year, with just two residents in situ, the health authority confirmed that Perrott House was deemed structurally unfit for purpose.

Locally, it was suggested that there is a problem with asbestos in the building.

HSE South West said it is prioritising the safety, wellbeing, and continuity of care of the residents. And it confirmed that the remaining elderly man and woman have been accommodated in mental health services elsewhere.

‘This transition was carried out following individual consultation with residents, and in close engagement with families, to ensure appropriate placements and continuity of care,’ said the spokesperson.

It is understood that there are 12 members of staff still at Perrott House. But when the various administrative and logistical tasks at Perrott House are finalised, the remaining  staff will move to alternative roles ‘in line with service needs.’

The spokesperson said: ‘HSE South West is engaging with staff representative bodies, such as trade union representatives, on this reassignment process.

According to the HSE, ‘It is our intention that the majority of staff will remain within mental health services in West Cork, supporting and strengthening existing services.’

Once the building has been fully vacated, the HSE said it will be able to determine the future use of Perrott House.