THE Northwest Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force (NWRDATF) is proud to announce the official opening of Rowan House in Letterkenny.
This marks a significant advancement in the delivery of addiction, recovery, outreach, and family support services across Donegal and the wider northwest region.
Rowan House is the first dedicated premises established by the Task Force in Donegal and reflects its commitment to expanding accessible, community‑based, recovery‑focused supports.
Noel Cunningham speaking at the Northwest Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force opening of Rowan House – A New Hub for Recovery and Community Support in Donegal. Photo Clive Wasson
More than 80 people attended the launch, including service users, peer facilitators, and representatives from partner organisations such as the HSE, TUSLA, An Garda Síochána, Atlantic Technological University (ATU), the Education and Training Board (ETB), and a wide range of community and voluntary groups. The strong presence of individuals with lived experience – both those currently engaging with services and those now supporting others – brought a powerful and meaningful dimension to the event.
Chief Superintendent Goretti Sheridan addressed attendees, highlighting the long‑standing and effective partnership between An Garda Síochána and the NWRDATF. She emphasised the importance of sustained interagency collaboration in addressing substance use, supporting vulnerable individuals, and strengthening community safety.
Speaking on behalf of Task Force partners, Trish Garland, HSE Social Inclusion Manager, welcomed the development.
“Rowan House represents a significant investment in creating safe, welcoming, and person‑centred supports within the community,” she said.
“It reflects the strength of collaboration across HSE Social Inclusion, HSE Addiction Services, the NWRDATF, and our many statutory, community, and voluntary partners.”
Guests at the opening of the Northwest Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force , Rowan House – A New Hub for Recovery and Community Support in Donegal. Photo Clive Wasson
Rowan House offers a broad range of supports, including one‑to‑one counselling, group programmes, outreach services, and recovery‑focused initiatives addressing alcohol and drug use, as well as gambling, gaming, and other behavioural addictions.
The service is open and easy to access, with self‑referral available, and provides essential supports not only for individuals experiencing addiction but also for family members and loved ones seeking guidance and understanding. The facility has been developed as a warm, inclusive space where people can engage with services at their own pace.
Northwest Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force Opens Rowan House – A New Hub for Recovery and Community Support in Donegal. Pictured are Rosaleen O’Grady, Chairperson of the NWRDATF and Trich Garland, HSE Social Inclusion Manage. Photo Clive Wasson
Programmes delivered and supported through the NWRDATF include SMART Recovery, peer‑led initiatives, relapse prevention, gambling and gaming supports, SAOR interventions, family support services, prevention and education programmes, training opportunities, and wider community outreach across the Northwest.
A key feature of Rowan House is the continued expansion of SMART Recovery, with a growing number of peer‑led groups facilitated by individuals with lived experience – demonstrating the vital role of peer support in recovery.
Chairperson of the NWRDATF, Rosaleen O’Grady, described the opening as a landmark development.
Noel Cunningham speaking at the Northwest Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force opening of Rowan House – A New Hub for Recovery and Community Support in Donegal. Photo Clive Wasson
“Rowan House is about creating a safe and respectful environment where individuals and families feel supported and empowered to seek help,” she said.
“It represents the strength of partnership across our communities and services as we work together to improve outcomes for those affected by addiction.”
The event also featured a musical performance by singer‑songwriter Aidan Laird, adding a warm and celebratory atmosphere. Contributions from individuals with lived experience highlighted the impact of accessible, local recovery supports and the importance of safe community spaces.
The opening of Rowan House underscores the strong multi‑agency collaboration across Donegal and the northwest and reinforces a shared commitment to improving health, wellbeing, and recovery outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.
For more information, visit the website www.nwrdtf.ie or email [email protected].
Noel Cunningham cuts the ribbon at for the Northwest Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force who opened Rowan House – A New Hub for Recovery and Community Support in Donegal. Photo Clive Wasson
Trish Garland, HSE Social Inclusion Manager speaking at the Northwest Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force opening of Rowan House – A New Hub for Recovery and Community Support in Donegal. Photo Clive Wasson