Rainbow Lodge Children’s Respite Centre opens in Monaghan
Rainbow Lodge Children’s Respite Centre at Urbalkirk in Co Monaghan was officially opened today by Minister of State for Disabilities, Anne Rabbitte.
The service will operate seven days and nights per week on 360 days of the year and will offer up to 1,800 respite bed nights each year. The number of breaks offered to children and their families will vary depending on the assessed needs of each individual child.
Speaking during official proceedings earlier, Minister Rabbitte stated: “I’m delighted to be here to officially open the Rainbow Lodge Children’s Respite Centre. In March 2024 funding was secured to progress a residential respite service for children in Co Monaghan and my thanks to the HSE Disability Services in Monaghan and the Talbot Group for delivering on their commitment to have the service opened in October 2024.
“Having met many parents from County Monaghan who had raised the issue of access to respite care with me, I know the service will provide much needed and very welcome respite breaks for children and their families.”
Meanwhile, according to Laverne Mc Guiness, Chief Executive Officer of the Talbot Group, it is “delighted” to partner with the HSE in Monaghan regarding the provision of this new respite service for children at Rainbow Lodge.
“We look forward to welcoming many children and their families over the coming weeks and months and the opportunities for integration into the wider community,” she continued before adding the facility includes a studio style apartment with separate entrance and a ground floor bedroom which is wheelchair accessible.
There is a further wheelchair accessible bedroom downstairs whilst upstairs the property has a further three bedrooms as well as a relaxation/play room. Dervila Eyres, Integrated Healthcare Area Manager for Cavan and Monaghan highlighted her delight that children with additional needs and their families will be able to avail of local, accessible respite breaks close to their homes in Monaghan. “This is a welcome partnership with the Talbot Group,” she concluded.