Wicklow Hospice - Turning of The Sod


J.V Tierney and Co are proud to be carrying out the Mechanical and Electrical Design Services for the Wicklow Hospice Building, Margheramore, Co Wicklow. The new build will comprise of 15 inpatient rooms and will provide services for the entirety of Co. Wicklow.
Stephen Walsh, Project Director, attended the “turning of the sod” ceremony, which took place 21 June 2018, after over a decade of fundraising.
Over 250 people attended the sod turning in Magheramore which was carried out by Bill Porter of the Wicklow Hospice Foundation. Minister for Health Simon Harris had been due to turn the sod but, as a mark of respect for all the fundraising organised by Mr Porter on behalf of the Foundation Minister Harris handed him the shovel to perform the sod turning.
Sr Susanna Choi of the Columban Sisters handed the shovel to Mr Porter signifying the fact the Columban Sisters had given the site for the hospice to the Foundation allowing fundraising for the building itself to begin in earnest.
Patrons of the Wicklow Hospice Foundation, Sir Daniel Day Lewis, Valeria Cox, and Shane Byrne were also in attendance on the day as were the many volunteers who have been diligently fundraising for the hospice for the past nine years.
Speaking at the sod turning, Minister for Health Simon Harris said: “This is a very special day for the people of County Wicklow and a testament to their sense of community and goodwill.”
“I am honoured to be here to join with the Wicklow Hospice Foundation to turn the sod on and signal the start of building on site.”
“When this hospice opens at the end of next year, it will offer day care, outpatient clinics, respite care and access to multidisciplinary specialist services. Palliative care seeks to improve the quality of life of people who need it. It is about putting life into each day. That is what this new hospice, opening 2019, will do for the people who need it most.
The 15 bed hospice is due to open to patients in late 2019.