A €2 million Alzheimer's respite home with space for 29 patients is to be opened in Galway city.
The home, to be built in Merlin Park by the end of next year, will enable families caring for Alzheimer's sufferers to have weekly breaks. It is hoped 1,500 such breaks will be catered for each year.
The centre will provide day care, respite care and long-term care for those with Alzheimer's.
The West of Ireland Alzheimer Foundation, which will run the home, already provides 1,700 breaks to families in the area through its centres in Athenry, Co Galway, and Ballindine, Co Mayo.
There are also plans to extend the home at Ballindine and build a training unit at a cost of an estimated €2.75 million.
The foundation has about 80 people on a waiting list for the centre at Athenry and says the demand is growing.
A sponsored cycle from Dublin to Galway to raise funds for the foundation begins on September 8th. It is hoped it will raise €500,000 towards building the Merlin Park home.
Noel Higgins of the foundation said they were hopeful of securing the remaining funds from the Department of Health.