Progress made in establishing a care home for adults with disabilities in Leitrim

A property has been identified in Fenagh for a residential unit for adults with intellectual disabilities, following two and a half years of advocacy from parents. The need for such a facility has become a pressing concern within the community.

Following a meeting on September 20 at the Bush Hotel in Carrick-on-Shannon with HSE representatives, parents and politicians, the HSE has identified three potential locations in the greater Ballinamore area. The site in Fenagh will be examined by the HSE, and an occupational therapist. 

The next process will be to purchase the house, which will accommodate four adults.

There will be a new-build respite house in Carrick-on-Shannon and is due to go out for tender in the first quarter of 2025. 

The general consensus after the meeting was good progress had been made. 

Catherine Clerkin has been looking after her son who has a severe disability and epilepsy. “We’re here to hope the HSE will secure a premises for a residential unit. I’m feeling more positive than the last meeting. 

“It’s two and half years going on. Only for we as parents pushed it, it wouldn’t be at this stage. It’s difficult, he’s a big, strong lad. He has challenging behaviour and he’s tough. It’s all about a place to have if I’m not fit to care for him,” Catherine explained.

Rosemary Gallogly is the sole carer of her 29 year old daughter, Anne Marie, with special needs. “In the event of me becoming unable to continue to care for her, I am extremely worried as to where she will be able to avail of residential care.”

Following the meeting, Rosemary expressed that she felt more hopeful than she has in over two years of advocating for residential care. “At least, it’s given me some relief. I’m a bit more hopeful. The whole thing is about where they go. 

“I would like to be able to die knowing where Anne Marie is going to be. It would help me die,” Rosemary said.

“I consider myself privileged to be able to care for her. It has been my privilege caring for her. I think I owe her. She has lived against all the odds, and I certainly owe her that much that she will have a safe residence and be happy in it before I pass on,” she added.

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Another parent, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed her concerns about caring for her daughter as she grows older. “Down the line, when I’m not able to do it, what happens? At the minute there’s nowhere to go if something suddenly happens in the meantime. 

“It looks like something is happening. It’s a property that’s ready to go, but I’m worried about where they will go from there if the property is bought out.”

The parents are facing a poignant struggle, balancing hope with the harsh reality of caregiving, uncertainty, and a desire for a safe and happy future for their children. There is a palpable sense of cautious optimism among them.

Marian Harkin, TD for Sligo-Leitrim said things are moving, and that’s what matters. “There’s a lot of things to be looked at because the needs of the people going into that home have to be recognised and have to be managed because it will be their forever home. We still have a way to go but I think everyone left the meeting today feeling progress had been made.”

“The HSE seem to be doing their best to find something suitable,” said Sinn Féin TD Martin Kenny.

“There’s a process required from the point of view from the local authority to provide suitable accommodation for people with disabilities as we move forward and that’s what we need to be trying to do everywhere.”

“I think it was very, very positive and I just want to thank parents and indeed the HSE for the great work they’ve done,” commented Frank Feighan TD.

The HSE will meet with politicians and parents in around four weeks time, to provide an update on the situation.

A spokesperson from the HSE said: "HSE CH CDLMS Disability Services and North West Estates Dept met with a number of public representatives and families of people with disabilities in relation to the development of residential services in the South Leitrim area. 

"This was a follow up meeting at which the HSE identified a number of potential properties which it will now be actively pursuing in order to meet the residential needs of adults with a disability. 

"The HSE outlined the processes it is required to follow to secure the capital and revenue funding to purchase and renovate the properties and deliver the support within the residential services. 

"All parties have agreed on a further meeting to update on the progress being made which is scheduled to take place next month."

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