Children's Respite House
Children's Respite House
Respite Home - Lisnagry, Limerick
Current Project
About the Project
In Lisnagry, Limerick, Avista Foundation is funding the development of a brand-new children's respite home to replace the existing San Joseph Respite facility. This is one of the most significant projects Avista Foundation has undertaken. This is an investment not just in a building, but in the wellbeing and futures of children and families across the Midwest region. In May 2026, we broke ground on the site, marking the beginning of a construction phase that will transform respite care in Limerick.
The Need
The existing San Joseph Respite facility has served children and families for many years, but it is no longer able to meet the growing demand for its services. With a current capacity of 25 children, the waiting list has become a pressing issue. Families within the area are in urgent need of respite, with wait times having recently exceeded an average of four years for a place. That is four years of families carrying an enormous weight without the break they need.
As demand continues to rise, the gap between what is available and what is needed will only grow. This new facility is Avista's response to that reality.
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The Solution
The new respite home in Lisnagry has been designed with both capacity and quality of care in mind. With six rooms and an apartment-style layout, the facility will serve approximately 50 children, doubling the reach of the existing service. Crucially, the design ensures that when one child with highly complex needs is in respite, the rest of the home remains fully open and accessible to other children. Every child receives the personalised care they need without compromising the service available to others.
The Impact
When complete, the new facility is expected to reduce average waiting times by up to two years. For the current families on the waiting list, this is a life-changing difference. It will provide a genuine home away from home for children with complex needs, and give their families the breathing space they need to recharge and continue providing care.
Breaking Ground
On a special morning in May 2026, the sod was officially turned on the new Children's Respite Home in Garraunykee, Limerick. Joining us on the day were Avista CEO Lorraine Macken, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley, alongside donors, partners, and community members whose generosity and commitment made this moment possible. Construction is on target to take 18 to 24 months to complete.
As Lorraine Macken reflected on the day: "The persistence, collaboration and commitment from everyone involved to date, to support children and young people with disabilities and complex needs in Limerick is incredibly powerful and I know the team looks forward to opening our doors to children and families very soon."
Thank You
Thanks to the generosity of our donors and supporters, Avista Foundation has reached its fundraising target for this project, and work is now underway to make this home a reality for children and families across Limerick and the Midwest.