There's further concern over the future of smaller private nursing homes across Sligo and Leitrim.
It comes as a new organisation representing nursing homes say a new funding model is needed to stop more facilities closing down.
Advertisement
The Alliance is hosting a major conference in Limerick today to plan for a viable future for the sector.
Over 50 homes across the country have closed over a four year period, despite Ireland's population growing and getting older.
Advertisement
Sligo Leitrim Independent TD Marian Harkin says it's imperative that the facilities are kept in rural areas:
