There was a landmark occasion recently just outside Cork City as the first phase of development on the new €7m centre for children with disabilities got underway.
The new and much needed centre located in Curraheen that will replace the ageing Lavanagh Centre in Ballintemple, and which will cater to children with disabilities and their families in the coming years ahead, was officially launched on Friday by the Minster for Housing Simon Coveney and charity organisation Enable Ireland.
The charity which provides support and assistance for a number of people with disabilities have now launched a fundraising campaign to continue the centres future development.
Speaking at the launch Enable Ireland CEO Fionnuala O’Donovan said: “We have been delivering services in Cork since 1954.” “Over that time, the number of children needing services has increased significantly.”
“Today, our highly skilled staff work with over 640 children and their families and now we need a new premises within which to continue to provide our vital services. “Our children deserve the best. We’ve set ourselves a challenging task to raise €7.2m.
“We now ask the people of Cork to join us in making this centre a reality.”
It is understood when completed, the new multi-million euro centre will have a number of essential amenities’ for children with disabilities including a hydrotherapy pool, therapy and sensory room, and a children’s respite house, which will enable children to develop their independence skills.