Construction work on the Orchard, a new day care and respite centre for sufferers of Alzheimer's disease in Blackrock, Co Dublin, will begin in July.
The building will have 12 respite beds available seven days a week and over 25 day care places. "People with Alzheimer's disease need 24-hour care and this places huge stress on carers unless they have good family support.
"Currently, we offer day and night care from Monday to Friday to Alzheimer's patients in the South Dublin area and this will represent an extension of our work," says Mairín McLaughlin, chairwoman of the Eastern Region and South Dublin branch of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.
The plans include an enclosed garden with water features, plants and birdlife for Alzheimer's sufferers to enjoy tranquility and fresh air in a safe environment. A campaign to raise funds for the running costs of the centre has begun. Entitled, "The Orchard: Planting Seeds for Tomorrow", the aim is to raise 2 million.
The centre, which will be situated in the grounds of the Daughters of Charity convent in Temple Hill, Blackrock, will also include the offices of a national training and resource centre for the Alzheimer Society of Ireland which are currently located in rented offices in Dún Laoghaire.