A STRONGER push is needed for greater respite facilities in Donegal, a meeting of the Regional Health Forum, West, heard this week.
Councillor Gerry McMonagle asked the HSE to confirm if they have put in an application for one five-bed respite facility or two five-bed respite facilities, which he requested for Donegal.
In response, he was told that the HSE has submitted a business case for one dedicated children’s respite service to National HSE Disability Services Access and Integration, which has confirmed this development is a priority for revenue funding allocation in the 2026 budget.
“The business case has been the subject of negotiations with the Department of Children, Disabilities and Equality as part of the 2026 budgetary estimates process,” said Dermot Monaghan, integrated healthcare area manager, Donegal.
Confirmation of funding allocation is expected via the National Service Plan in the coming weeks.
Mr Monaghan added that in addition, the HSE is seeking to secure capital funding to progress a second new development respite service in Donegal.
“It is anticipated that this may be included in the HSE’s capital plan 2026 further to National HSE Capital and Estates and Disability Services Access and Integration engagements in recent weeks,” he said.
Cllr McMonagle welcomed the response, but added that he felt for a county the size of Donegal that “we need to be more ambitious”.
Mr Monaghan said it is hoped there can be additional investment in 2027.
