Robot aid dementia facility on track in Birr

The firm behind plans to redevelop Birr Workhouse into a state-of-the-art dementia facility have confirmed their intention to apply for planning permission for the project early this year.

Managing director of Castle Rook Ltd, Candace Lafleur, said that plans for the project are at an advanced stage, and that she hopes to submit the application to Offaly County Council in February 2020.

“Everything is on track; we are just waiting for the stars to align and some investment to come through, but we are really excited about the project,” she said recently.

Castle Rook purchased the site in early 2018, and a pre-planning meeting was held with Offaly County Council to outline their plans for the historic site.

As reported in the Offaly Independent in September, these plans centre around a miniature robot known as 'Mylo', designed to help people living with dementia.

The proposed facility will cater for up to 70 residents, each of whom will have a robot companion to assist in their care. The 'Mylo' robot can monitor heart rate, issue reminders, and detect if a resident has fallen.

The proposed care facility will be more “dementia village” than nursing home, where residents will not be on a strict schedule but will enjoy the freedom to spend their days however they prefer.

The plans will also include the development of a museum and a café, as well as a daycare facility as part of an “intergenerational care model”.

Candace says the 'Mylo' robots, developed by Castlerook and CR Robotics based in Dundalk, are proving very popular. In addition to plans to incorporate the technology into the proposed Birr facility, they are also available to rent out to families for use in private homes.

“We have just been to Turkey with Mylo and I'm bringing him to Scotland, so he is going international. There is a lot of interest,” said Candace.
Security fences remain in place around the former Birr Workhouse, a portion of which was extensively damaged in a fire in August 2017.