THE FIRST sod has been turned on a new facility aimed at providing respite care for disabled children and cutting waiting lists for overnight care from 40 months.
Avista, with the Avista Foundation, the Lisnagry Association, the Michael Guinee Charitable Foundation, the JP McManus Pro-Am 2022, and Masterlink Ireland marked the start of construction on a purpose-built respite house for children with intellectual disabilities and complex needs.
The sod-turning ceremony on the outskirts of Annacotty in Garraunykee marked a major milestone in the delivery of the €2.7m project.
The current average waiting period for a child to avail of overnight respite in the Mid West is 40 months. This respite house will provide a state-of-the-art environment for children availing of a respite break and ensures safety, comfort, and care.
The HSE currently funds the operation of three respite centres for children with disabilities in Limerick, with a total provision of 16 respite beds. This includes the San Joseph respite centre currently operated by Avista.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister for Children, Disability, and Equality, Norma Foley said: “High‑quality respite services are essential for children with disabilities and their families. This new respite house represents an important step in expanding capacity and ensuring families can access safe, supportive and well‑designed respite services close to home.”
Avista CEO Lorraine Macken said: “The start of construction at this site represents a crucial step forward for Avista’s respite services in Limerick. This new house will more than double capacity, supporting more than 50 children and their families.”