Funding sought for new Cavan respite centre

A decision on capital funding is outstanding on a proposal to establish a standalone respite centre for adults with an intellectual disability in County Cavan.

Cavan Monaghan Disability Services, in conjunction with HSE Estates North East, submitted an application to the National HSE Capital and Property Steering Committee for consideration in June 2024.

“This development, if approved, would ensure that there are standalone residential respite centres for adults in both the counties of Monaghan and Cavan and standalone residential respite centres for children in both counties,” confirmed a HSE spokesperson.

A submission for capital funding to support the development and delivery of a children’s respite centre in County Monaghan was approved back in February.

Since then HSE Estates North East department has continued to work with disability services in the area and the purchase of a house in Monaghan town is “currently being progressed”.

“Once purchased HSE Estates will then complete a significant capital project to deliver a five-bedroom residential respite facility,” detailed the HSE spokesperson, who added that the facility will require signing off by the Health and Quality Authority (HIQA).

“A design team is being engaged by the HSE Estates North East department to commence the design element for the new centre.”

An interim, two-year residential respite service for children is also set to be provided pending the delivery of the new HSE facility.

Rainbow Lodge is to be located at Urbalkirk, eight kilometres from Monaghan Town. It will be a five-bed residential respite house inclusive of a self-contained apartment. This will be delivered with full-time nursing support and the service to be operational no later than October 1.

The Talbot Group has been awarded the contract to deliver the interim children’s respite service. A contractor has been engaged to complete the required renovation and development works to the property.