Sod-Turning in Limerick

Breaking Ground in Limerick

On a very special morning for our organisation in Garraunykee, Limerick, we made a long-awaited first step in our newest project. The sod was officially turned on our new Children's Respite House. This ceremonial action marks the beginning of construction for a project that will change lives for the better within the Midwest region.

A Milestone Moment

Joining us on this special day was Avista CEO Lorraine Macken, the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, alongside donors, partners, and community members. All of whom were essential in making this project possible. This €2.7 million development has been a long time in the making, and standing on that ground together made the moment feel every bit as significant as it is.

The need for this facility is very real. With the current resources in the mid-west, the average waiting period for a child to access overnight respite is 40 months. That means that hard working families are left without a break for over 3 years. Breaks aren’t a luxury, they are essential to sustaining the level of care they provide to those they support. This new house is our direct response to that issue.

"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. " — Lorraine Macken, CEO

What it Will Mean in Practice

The new respite house is designed to be a bright, spacious, and state-of-the-art environment that will offer children a safe space. Somewhere where they can feel safe, comfortable, and genuinely cared for while temporarily away from home. Once opened, this building will more than double our current capacity, supporting over 50 children with disabilities and complex needs and cutting our waiting list in half. Over a year, the increase in beds will mean that our annual stays will increase from 842 to 2,172, totally transforming our level of impact in the area.

Construction is on target to take 18 to 24 months to complete, and we look forward to welcoming the first children through the doors as soon as it is ready.

Built by Community

In can not be understated the importance of the community to make projects like this happen. We are so proud to see individuals and groups come together to invest in the future of children and families who need it most. Special thanks to the Daughters of Charity, who generously donated this site to ensure the continuation of children's respite services in Limerick, and to all who made this possible: