The HSE has taken over the running of a nursing home in Co Laois, following an application by HIQA to cancel the centre's registration.
Droimnín Nursing Home in Stradbally had its registration cancelled, on the grounds that the lives and the welfare of residents were at risk.
The application, under Section 59 of the Health Act 2007 was initially made by HIQA, the Health Information and Quality Authority, last September.
At Portlaoise District Court, Judge Andrew Cody granted the application to cancel the nursing home's registration and the HSE took over the running of the nursing home at 2pm this afternoon.
Reporting restrictions were put in place until 5pm this evening so that staff, residents, and their families were given time to be notified.
Judge Andrew Cody said, "their well-being was of paramount importance" and he did not want them finding out on the news.
Portlaoise District Court heard there are 39 residents in the home, 37 of which are being funded under the Fair Deal scheme and two are being funded privately.
The order sees the HSE take charge of the home and the operators were directed to "co-operate fully with the HSE" and continue to provide access to its staff and facilities.
The court heard that staff and agency workers will be paid by facility's operators up to 2pm today and the HSE will pay their wages from then on.
Alison Fynes SC for HIQA told the court in September said HIQA's chief inspector found "reasonable grounds of risks to life or serious risk to the health and welfare of residents" at the nursing home.
At a hearing in October, Portlaoise District court was told that it was only the fourth time HIQA had made such an urgent application in relation to a nursing home since 2016.
The court heard last year that a HIQA inspection of the home on 7 and 8 September 2025 raised concerns as to the delivery of care to "three specific residents, one of whom is now sadly deceased".
HIQA reports find series of failings
HIQA has carried out a number of inspections at Drominín Nursing Home in the last year.
In an inspection report published just two weeks ago, HIQA said the overall management of the nursing home was "ineffective".
The report found the oversight of the quality and safety of the care provided to residents was poor, leaving a number of residents consistently receiving substandard care.
Inspections took place over four days within a two week period in early September due to what HIQA described as a "significant and serious concerns regarding the safety and welfare of residents living in the centre".
HIQA said that "the registered provider failed to provide appropriate medical and health care" and "failed to take reasonable measures to protect residents from abuse".
It said "the food provided to residents was not wholesome and nutritious, nor did it reflect the prescriptions of health care professionals".
The report said there was a failure to deliver food and nutrition to residents in line with regulatory requirements.
"Several residents who were prescribed therapeutic diets, tailored to their specific medical conditions, such as renal or diabetic diets, did not receive meals in line with their assessed needs
"In addition, residents who were at risk of choking or had impaired swallowing and were prescribed modified-consistency diets did not consistently receive meals in accordance with these prescriptions.
HIQA said "this placed those residents at significant risk of harm".
HIQA said "the management structure was inconsistent and unclear" and the registered provider had failed to appoint a person in charge since 31 July 2025.
In a statement at the time, HIQA said that "as a result of the significant risk to the life, health and welfare of residents, on 12 September 2025, under Section 59 of the Health Act 2007, the Chief Inspector made an application to the District Court to cancel the registration of the designated centre".
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The HSE confirmed it has assumed responsibility for the operation of the nursing home.
In a statement, it said: "Residents remain living in the nursing home and there are no immediate changes to day-to-day care arrangements.
"The HSE's priority is to provide stability and continuity of care for residents, while minimising any distress for residents, families and staff.
"The HSE has put an interim management and clinical governance structure in place, including the appointment of a Person in Charge, supported by senior operational and clinical teams.
"Arrangements are also in place to ensure appropriate staffing, payroll and clinical oversight.
"The HSE is engaging closely with residents, families, staff, HIQA and other relevant stakeholders, and will continue to keep the situation under review."
