Minister Foley visiting Limerick to mark key developments in family support, disability and respite services
- Published on: 30 April 2026
- Last updated on: 30 April 2026
The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, is today visiting a range of family support, disability and respite services across Limerick, meeting with service providers, staff, families and community organisations.
The visit will highlight ongoing investment in both new and existing services in Limerick, including community‑based family supports, adult disability day services and children’s respite care, delivered in partnership with Tusla, the HSE and voluntary service providers.
Speaking today, Minister Foley said:
“I am very pleased to be in Limerick today to visit a range of family support, disability and respite services and to meet with the staff, service providers, families and community organisations who rely on and deliver these supports. Today’s visits highlight the continued investment being made in both new and existing services, and the importance of partnership between Government, the HSE, Tusla and voluntary providers in ensuring people can access high‑quality supports within their own communities.”
Southill Family Resource Centre
Minister Foley will begin her visit at Southill Family Resource Centre, one of 136 Family Resource Centres funded nationally through Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.
Southill Family Resource Centre is a voluntary‑led family support service providing a wide range of community‑based supports to children, parents and families in Limerick. The centre offers family support, counselling services, parenting programmes, education and training, advocacy supports and a range of community and peer‑led groups.
The service receives €180,000 in annual core funding under the Family Resource Centre Programme through Tusla, alongside additional funding for counselling supports and local community initiatives. Southill Family Resource Centre was also recently awarded €5,000 under the Parent Peer Support Fund 2026, from the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, to support its parent support group.
Riverview Day Service, Rehab Group
The Minister will then officially open the new Riverview Day Service, operated by Rehab Group, at George’s Quay in Limerick City.
Riverview Day Service is a HSE funded adult day service providing specialised, individualised supports to adults with intellectual disabilities, many of whom require one‑to‑one staff support. In collaboration with the HSE, RehabCare transitioned the service from its former location at Rockfield House to this new, purpose‑adapted facility.
The move represents a significant investment in accessibility and service quality and will enable Riverview to increase its capacity, improving access to adult day services in Limerick City.
Speaking at the opening, Minister Foley said:
“I am delighted to open this fantastic new day service location for people with disabilities right in the heart of Limerick City. People who attend Riverview have great opportunities to live the lives of their choosing, including accessing paid employment, volunteering, charity fundraising, joining social groups and pursing health and fitness goals. This new, modern facility is an excellent example of the positive change that can be achieved through Government investment and strong partnership between the Community and Voluntary sector and the HSE.”
Avista Children’s Respite House, Annacotty
The visit will conclude with a sod‑turning ceremony at the site of the new Avista Children’s Respite House in Annacotty.
The development marks the commencement of construction of a new, purpose‑built children’s respite facility, which will expand respite capacity for children with disabilities and their families in Limerick and the wider Mid‑West region.
Minister Foley added:
“High‑quality respite services are essential for children with disabilities and their families. This new respite house represents an important step in expanding capacity and ensuring families can access safe, supportive and well‑designed respite services close to home.”
The Government has committed significant additional funding to respite service development nationally, including €25 million in new development funding in Budget 2026, alongside ongoing work by the HSE and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality to improve access and develop a National Respite Framework.
ENDS