The HSE says it acted as soon as issues with Fire safety at a Kilkenny care unit were raised.
Questions are being asked as to why it took so long for action on concerns over Our Ladys Unit in St Patricks Centre on the Kells Road.
The district court judge ordered its closure last Friday evening on foot of a HIQA inspection.
Its claimed that concerns over deficiencies at the facility were raised last year while SIPTU members working there say they had also warned of issues including staffing levels.
But David Walsh of the HSE told KCLR Live they acted immediately on this matter.
