OUR BEAUTIFUL NEW SERVICES AT LETTERAGH!

We were so delighted to host two amazing events for the opening of our beautiful new Services at Garraí na Sailí, Letteragh, Galway recently! One on the 17th with Finlay Bealham our new Ambassador as a Guest, and an Official Opening on the 22nd with Mayor Cubbard, Minister Norma Foley and Minister Hildegarde Naughton in attendance.

Developed in collaboration with Burkeway Homes our new facilities reflect a modern, inclusive approach to disability services, designed to meet the highest standards of accessibility, care, and independence.

The new services include:

• A 3,500 sq. ft. Day Service Centre, accommodating up to 25 individuals under the HSE’s New Directions programme.

• A fully accessible residential bungalow, purpose-built for four individuals requiring enhanced support and medical care.

• Three standalone apartments, offering supported independent living for individuals with intellectual disabilities, with tailored assistance provided by the Ability West Letteragh team.

“This is a hugely welcome development – beautifully planned and built to the highest standards,” said Julie Silke Daly, Chief Executive of Ability West. “These homes reflect the progress we’ve made as a society in embracing inclusion, dignity, and person-centred care. At the same time, they highlight the growing demand for services and the need for continued investment, innovation, and a strong workforce to meet that demand.”

Ms. Silke Daly also acknowledged the ongoing challenges in recruitment and retention across the sector: “We continue to face staffing shortages, and the quality of our services depends on a committed and stable team. We currently have several open roles and welcome those who share our vision to join us.”

In closing, Ms. Silke Daly expressed heartfelt gratitude to Michael Burke and Burkeway Team for their exceptional contribution: “Their dedication and attention to detail have resulted in facilities of the highest standard, and we are deeply appreciative of their partnership in bringing this vision to life.”

There were two Events to mark the opening:

• On 17th October, the organisation welcomed supported individuals, staff, and families for an Open Day filled with celebration, community, and pride. The theme was “I ❤️ Garraí na Sailí” and attendees were delighted to meet Finlay Bealham, Connacht Rugby player, and Ireland international with over fifty caps – Finlay is the newly announced Ambassador for Ability West.

Finlay met with families, toured the new facility, and joined some of the persons supported to do a few rugby kicks in the grounds of the properties. Finlay said, “It’s an absolute honour to be announced as a Brand Ambassador for Ability West. “Galway has been my home now for 15 years. It’s a special place and I’m delighted to be associated with such an important, long-running charity and I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone.” In closing Finlay said, “I can’t wait to get involved and support the amazing work that Ability West does over the next number of years. I’m proud to be part of the Ability West family.”

On 22nd October, Minister for Children, Disability, Equality, Integration and Youth, Norma Foley TD, officially opened the Letteragh facility. Minister Foley was joined by local TDs, HSE representatives, Business Partners, and long-time supporters of Ability West. She unveiled a plaque with the help of Service User Richard Hickey who is shortly moving into an apartment at the Letteragh complex. Richard is supported by the Living my Life project. Minister Foley said, “I am delighted to be in Galway today, witnessing first-hand the wide breadth of vital services being provided to disabled people, funded by my Department. I am honoured to open the new services in Ability West, and to meet the personally with all those who will deliver the services and benefit from them.As Minister of Children, Disability and Equality, I am very much aware of the importance of these services for the families of both children and adults with disabilities and the positive impact it can have on people’s lives. I am also aware that there is high demand for disability services, and that is why I am so pleased that in Budget 2026, a record €3.8 billion has been secured for disability services, showing a government commitment to the expansion of services to meet the needs of people with disabilities.”

Mayor of Galway, Councillor Mike Cubbard was also present at the official opening, and he said, “Today, we celebrate a significant milestone in our community's commitment to inclusivity and support for individuals with disabilities. This new residential home and day service embodies our vision for a compassionate and accessible society.

Initiated and created by Ability West, working in partnership with Burkeway this is a shining example of what can be achieved when vison, compassion, innovation, and community spirit come together. I wish all those who reside in these beautiful homes and those attending services here every good wish in the future.”

Galway based Minister for Disability, Hildegarde Naughton added:

“As Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, but also as a local TD, I am proud to see how disability funding is being used to support wonderful new services around Galway to improve the lived experience of people with disabilities. When this government took office last January, we promised a step change in the delivery of supports and services for people with disabilities and their families. The launch of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People last month, as well as record investment in disability services in Budget 2026, show our commitment to this goal. I look forward to continued progress and making real change a reality for disabled people in Galway and across Ireland.”

A Growing Need – and Ongoing Challenges

Ability West currently supports over 543 individuals across seventy centres in Galway city and county. But the demand is growing rapidly due to:

• A rising number of diagnoses nationally and globally, particularly of autism and intellectual disabilities.

• An ageing population of family carers who can no longer provide round the clock support at home.

• Severe staffing shortages across the disability sector, including nurses and qualified social care workers.

Ability West welcomes the recent announcement of €634 million in additional disability funding in Budget 2026 and hopes that this funding will be available to organisations like Ability West in the near term.

Living My Life Project – Supported Transitions

The new apartments at Letteragh will provide individuals as part of the Living My Life project – a joint initiative between Ability West and the Brothers of Charity, funded by the HSE. The project focuses on enabling adults with intellectual disabilities to live more independently, with support as needed and prevent emergency presentations by planning proactively for the people supported whose will and preference is the main objective.

Olive Keane, Project Manager for Living My Life, said the transition for participants has been “transformational.” One parent, Mrs. Hickey, whose son Richard is moving into one of the apartments, said:

“Richard is delighted to have his own home and as a parent it gives me peace of mind. ”

LOOKING AHEAD

The Letteragh development follows ongoing expansion efforts by Ability West, including progress on a new services at Weir Road, Tuam and Knocknacarra, Galway. The organisation continues to call for improved access to suitable properties and long-term funding models to meet the rising demand for residential and day services.

“As we celebrate 63 years, our mission remains the same – to empower individuals with disabilities to live their best lives,” said Ray Kelly, Chair of Ability West. “This new service in Letteragh is a symbol of that commitment and the Board are incredibly supportive of the Leadership Team in Ability West.” Speaking as both the Chair and a parent of a son who is supported by Ability West, he said, “Parents are aging and whilst we are currently the primary carers of our children, we will reach a point where we can no longer continue to support them, and so the need for additional placements is rising to an unprecedented level and the number of School Leavers coming into our service continues to rise year on year.”

Photos: Andrew Downes / xposure.ie