Funding for Carrick-on-Shannon Adult Disability Respite Unit under 2024 Capital Plan

Minister of State for Disabilities, Anne Rabbitte TD, has announced €23m in capital funding has been allocated for disability capital projects in 2024. Minister Rabbitte has also asked the HSE to develop the first ever disability specific multi-annual Capital Strategy.

The allocation follows the development of the Action Plan for Disability Services 2024-2026, which was launched in December 2023. The Action Plan represents the first phase of implementation of the recommendations of the Disability Capacity Review and contains ambitious targets for service expansion, as well as a route for making services more person-centred, in the spirit of the UNCRPD.

In support of the Action Plan’s aims, the Minister has also asked the HSE to develop a disability specific multi-annual Capital Strategy this year. The Strategy will be informed by sectoral consultation and will identify the short and medium term infrastructure needs for disability services.

Dedicated resources, including a new Assistant National Director for Disability Capital in the HSE, are being put in place and will drive the development of this Strategy and will co-ordinate and deliver on this expanded programme of works.

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Minister Rabbitte said: “Today is an important milestone in the Government’s commitment to both increase investment in disability capital projects and also the development of the HSE’s first ever disability specific Capital Strategy.

"The significant allocation of €23m includes the provision of housing for people moving on from congregated settings, the build and refurbishment of facilities for Children’s Services, Day Services and Respite facilities.

"Meanwhile, this disability capital strategy will be a key enabler for us to drive growth in investment in disability services over the coming years and to ensure the delivery of projects that are delivered on time, on budget and ensure that value for money is being achieved.

"I’m also keen to see the strategy map out clear pathways in how we support the development of capital projects for Section
39 providers."

Locally, Deputy Frank Feighan has welcomed the announcement which includes an allocation of funding towards detailed design and construction for a new build residence for adult disability respite at HSE owned grounds in Carrick-on-Shannon.

“I am pleased to see this project mentioned on the capital plan which will ensure it gets the necessary funding to progress it further in 2024 and 2025.

“I want to thank Minister Rabbitte for her commitment to this new build for Carrick-on-Shannon”, concluded Dep. Feighan.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has set ambitious targets for the expansion of residential services, day services, children’s services and respite facilities under the Action Plan, which require appropriate strategic capital investment to provide the necessary infrastructure.