Monaghan to get €3.1m children's respite service

Over €15M committed to disability services in Cavan and Monaghan

Over €15M has been promised for disability services in Cavan and Monaghan, including €3.1m to develop a new children’s respite facility.

The allocation was announced today by Minister of State for Disability Anne Rabbitte during a visit to the Farney county where she met with families of children who require respite services.

A further €7.5 million has been earmarked to develop a new Day Service to replace Drumlin House in Cootehill.

Finally a total of €4.6 million has been committed for the development of a new Day Service Centre to replace Clogher House in Rathcorrick.

The purpose built five bedroom children's respite service will be located in Monaghan, but will cater for children from across Cavan and Monaghan.

Following a meeting with Minister Rabbitte in Monaghan, her party colleagues Deputy Niamh Smyth and Deputy Brendan Smith both welcomed the announcement.

Deputy Smyth described the lack of respite services as "one of the biggest challenges" for parents of children with disabilities across the constituency. She noted that during the construction phase of the respite facility there was a plan to help families in the interim.

"While this is being built, additional funding has been sanctioned for the provision of an interim respite service in Monaghan, which will open by October 1st, 2024 to compliment the work that is being done by Annalee."

Deputy Smyth concluded by saying that a commitment was also given to working with the HSE and local providers to support the expansion of services delivered through Steadfast House and Errigal Truagh.

Deputy Brendan Smith welcomed "the very significant" announcement by Minister Rabbitte.

"I had highlighted in meetings with Minister Rabbitte, with the HSE and in various and recent Dáil Debates and Parliamentary Questions the absolute need to improve these services across Cavan/Monaghan."