New centre to support children’s care and therapy in Cork
The Taoiseach Micheál Martin officially commenced construction of two vital facilities at St. Joseph’s Foundation in Kanturk, aimed at enhancing care for children with disabilities. These projects include a Regional Children’s Respite and Residential Centre alongside an innovative Equine Assisted Therapy Centre, promising significant benefits for families in Cork and beyond.
Source:
HSE — Health Service Executive
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⏱️ 2 min read
The Taoiseach Micheál Martin marked a significant milestone this week by turning the sod on two major developments at St. Joseph's Foundation in Kanturk: a new Regional Children’s Respite and Residential Centre and an Equine Assisted Therapy Centre. Joined by Minister of State Michael Moynihan, members of the Foundation’s board, HSE representatives, community partners, families, and guests, the event celebrated the start of these landmark projects.
Funded by the HSE and built on land generously donated by the Jarvey family, the Regional Children’s Respite and Residential Centre will offer specialist care in two houses. One will provide regional respite for up to 60 children and young people annually, while the other will accommodate residential care, transitional care, and emergency placements for four individuals. Construction is scheduled to begin in the final quarter of this year. The Equine Assisted Therapy Centre will offer pioneering therapeutic programmes to support children’s physical, emotional, and developmental wellbeing through structured equine-assisted interventions.
Government officials emphasised the importance of these developments in advancing disability services. Taoiseach Micheál Martin highlighted the government’s commitment to transforming disability supports, praising the Jarvey family's land donation. Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley and Minister of State Emer Higgins underlined the centres’ role in expanding vital services regionally. Michael Hegarty, CEO of St. Joseph’s Foundation, spoke about the ambitious vision to meet growing needs across Cork and Kerry. HSE manager Sonya Cotter noted that improved access to respite and residential care closer to home will greatly benefit families, illustrating the power of partnership between government, healthcare providers, and communities.
Funded by the HSE and built on land generously donated by the Jarvey family, the Regional Children’s Respite and Residential Centre will offer specialist care in two houses. One will provide regional respite for up to 60 children and young people annually, while the other will accommodate residential care, transitional care, and emergency placements for four individuals. Construction is scheduled to begin in the final quarter of this year. The Equine Assisted Therapy Centre will offer pioneering therapeutic programmes to support children’s physical, emotional, and developmental wellbeing through structured equine-assisted interventions.
Government officials emphasised the importance of these developments in advancing disability services. Taoiseach Micheál Martin highlighted the government’s commitment to transforming disability supports, praising the Jarvey family's land donation. Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley and Minister of State Emer Higgins underlined the centres’ role in expanding vital services regionally. Michael Hegarty, CEO of St. Joseph’s Foundation, spoke about the ambitious vision to meet growing needs across Cork and Kerry. HSE manager Sonya Cotter noted that improved access to respite and residential care closer to home will greatly benefit families, illustrating the power of partnership between government, healthcare providers, and communities.
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