New Regional Respite and Residential Centre to support children and families across North Cork and wider region
Deputy John Paul O’Shea TD has warmly welcomed the sod turning for two major new developments at St. Joseph’s Foundation in Kanturk — a new Regional Children’s Respite and Residential Centre and an Equine Assisted Therapy Centre.
The sod turning, attended by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Public Representatives, HSE, St. Joseph’s Foundation, families and community partners, marks the beginning of an important investment in disability services for children and young people in Kanturk and across the wider region.
Deputy O’Shea said the development would provide much-needed additional respite and residential capacity, while also delivering an innovative new therapeutic service.
“This is a hugely significant development for Kanturk, North Cork and the wider region, and I am delighted to see this project now progressing to the construction stage.
“In particular, the provision of additional respite beds for children, alongside new residential, transitional and emergency placements, will make a real and lasting difference to children with disabilities and their families.
“The Regional Children’s Respite and Residential Centre will provide regional respite services supporting up to 60 children and young people each year, while the residential facility will provide four placements. This additional capacity is badly needed and will mean that more families can access specialist supports closer to home.
“I also warmly welcome the Equine Assisted Therapy Centre, which will provide an innovative approach to supporting the physical, emotional and developmental wellbeing of children and young people. St. Joseph’s Foundation has already demonstrated the benefits of equine-assisted services through its existing work, and this new dedicated centre will allow that work to expand significantly.
“I want to acknowledge the vision of St. Joseph’s Foundation, the HSE and the families and community partners who have worked to bring this project forward. I also want to pay particular tribute to the Jarvey family for their generosity in donating the land on which these important facilities will be developed.
“This is exactly the type of investment we need to see in our communities — putting high-quality, person-centred disability services closer to the families who need them.
“I look forward to seeing construction commence in Quarter 4 of this year and to seeing these facilities become a reality for children, young people and families across North Cork, Cork and the wider Cork and Kerry region.”
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin chatting to Jeremy Brosnan at the Sod Turning Ceremony to mark the commencement of the development of Kanturk Equine Assisted Therapy Centre, Regional Childrens Respite and Residential Centre. Photos by Sheila Fitzgerald
Local Fine Gael Councillor Trish Murphy also welcomed the announcement, highlighting the importance of the new facilities for families in Kanturk and the surrounding communities.
“This is fantastic news for Kanturk and the wider North Cork community, and I am delighted to see these important developments now moving forward.
“Families of children with disabilities need access to high-quality respite and residential services, and having these facilities here in Kanturk will be hugely beneficial. The provision of additional respite capacity, along with residential, transitional and emergency placements, will provide much-needed support to families who can often face significant challenges in accessing appropriate services.
“The Equine Assisted Therapy Centre is another really exciting element of this development. St. Joseph’s Foundation has a strong track record in this area, and having a dedicated centre here in Kanturk will provide new opportunities for children and young people to benefit from these innovative therapies.
“I want to congratulate everyone involved in bringing this project to this important stage, particularly St. Joseph’s Foundation, the HSE and the Jarvey family for their generous land donation.
“This is a major investment in Kanturk and, most importantly, an investment in children, young people and families. I look forward to seeing the work commence later this year and the positive impact these facilities will have on our community for many years to come.”
Deputy O’Shea also welcomed the partnership between the HSE and St. Joseph’s Foundation in delivering the project.
“This project demonstrates what can be achieved when Government, the HSE, service providers, families and the local community work together.
“There remains a significant need for additional respite and residential services for children with disabilities, and projects such as this are an important part of meeting that need. I will continue to support investment in disability services and ensure that the needs of families in Cork North-West remain firmly on the agenda.”
The two developments are being funded by the HSE, with the land generously donated by the Jarvey family, and will be operated by St. Joseph’s Foundation.
Construction of the two houses forming the Regional Children’s Respite and Residential Centre is expected to commence in Quarter 4 of this year. One house will provide regional respite services for up to 60 children and young people annually, while the second will provide four placements for residential, transitional and emergency care.
The Equine Assisted Therapy Centre will provide structured equine-assisted interventions designed to support the physical, emotional and developmental wellbeing of children and young people.
