MINISTER of State for Disability, Anne Rabbitte TD, has this week announced funding for four services supporting children with disabilities in Donegal.
The funding is part of the HSE’s Children’s Disability Services Grant Fund, which was open to organisations, including community groups and service providers, and aims to support children who are on a waiting list for Children’s Disability Network Team (CNDT) services.
There was huge interest in the funding scheme, with over 500 completed applications nationally from a variety of community and voluntary groups and private service providers.
A total of 52 projects throughout the Republic of Ireland have been awarded funding under the Children’s Disability Services Grant Fund.
A number of the larger projects will be funded over a three year cycle.
The organisations receiving funding in Donegal are the No Barriers Foundation: €3,072,700, Finn Valley Leisure Centre: €34,000, Health Hub Professionals NI: €302,001 and Spraoi agus Spórt: €210,000.
Making the announcement at No Barriers Foundation in Letterkeny this week, Minister Rabbitte said she is delighted to announce this funding for vital services supporting children with disabilities in Donegal.
“I am conscious that many families are awaiting services and I expect this fund will provide additional options for those children with complex needs.
“This fund is an initial step by the HSE in developing further supports for families, and aims to augment the capacity of the Children’s Disability Network Teams by ensuring there’s an added layer of supports for children to access.
“This, in turn, will hopefully mean parents feel less under pressure,” she said.
Minister Rabbitte continued by commending the work being done around Donegal by the HSE and other services.
“The demand for the fund was high so unfortunately not all applications could be supported but the organisations announced this week will undoubtedly be a wonderful addition for families in Donegal.
“I’ve seen first-hand wonderful work of No Barriers so it’s great to see their efforts being further supported in the area of paediatric physio.
“This will be an absolute game changer for children in Donegal and the surrounding area, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this initiative will inevitably have in the county,” concluded Minister Rabbitte.
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