O’Shea Welcomes Long Awaited Re-Opening of Cooleens Respite House for Children with Disabilities in North Cork

Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea TD has welcomed the re-opening of Cooleens Respite House in Charleville, a vital service providing respite support for children with disabilities and their families across North Cork and the wider region.

The facility re-opened this week and will now operate seven nights per week, offering much-needed overnight respite with capacity for up to six children at a time. The reopening follows significant engagement between HSE Southwest Disability Services, St. Joseph’s Foundation, and local representatives to restore and expand respite options for families.

Deputy O’Shea said:

“The re-opening of Cooleens Respite House is a hugely important development for families who rely on regular, high-quality respite care. Parents and carers deserve the assurance that support is accessible, dependable, and local — and the restoration of this service will make a real difference in their lives. I want to acknowledge the ongoing work of HSE South West Disability Services & St. Joseph’s Foundation in re-opening Cooleens and in progressing additional respite capacity across the region.”

Charleville based Councillor Aileen Browne also welcomed the news:

“This is a very positive day for the Charleville area and for families right across North Cork. Cooleens House has always played a crucial role in supporting children with disabilities, and I am delighted to see it fully reopened and expanded. The certainty this brings to families cannot be overstated.”

Deputy O’Shea concluded by reaffirming his commitment to ensuring further developments in respite and disability services are delivered without delay and in collaboration with families, advocates, and local providers.

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