Additional respite services are to be provided in County Clare under plans announced by the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality in response to a parliamentary question from Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney.
Minister Norma Foley confirmed that additional funding allocated under Budget 2026 will support expanded overnight and alternative respite services across Clare, including enhancements to services operated by Corlann in Miltown Malbay, Shannon and Kilrush.
The funding forms part of a €25 million national investment in respite services this year, aimed at increasing both overnight and community-based supports for children and adults with disabilities.
The Minister also confirmed that the HSE and Enable Ireland are increasing capacity at the Hazeldine respite facility in Barefield, with bed nights set to rise from 700 to 1,400 by the end of 2026.
Welcoming the update, Deputy Cooney said respite services remain a key issue for many families across the county.
“Families caring for loved ones with disabilities depend on respite services and I know from speaking with many families across Clare that access to these supports remains a major concern,” he said.
“It is encouraging to see additional investment being directed towards services in Miltown Malbay, Shannon and Kilrush, as well as the significant increase in capacity at Hazeldine in Barefield.”
The Minister said the additional funding is expected to provide further overnight and alternative respite opportunities for children, young adults and adults throughout Clare and the wider Mid-West region.
A respite house operated by Carrowgar Respite Service in Clarecastle, which became operational in Clare in 2023, continues to provide approximately 1,400 bed nights annually for children and adults.
Funding has also been allocated for additional outreach supports for children with disabilities across the Mid-West, while 35 projects have been approved under a Summer Respite Initiative for children, young adults and adults in the region.
Deputy Cooney said the expansion of services across the county would help meet increasing demand.
“Doubling capacity at Hazeldine from 700 to 1,400 bed nights represents a substantial increase in support and will help more families access the respite care they need,” he said.
The Minister also said that HSE Estates is examining further opportunities for disability service developments in the region under the HSE Capital Plan.