Marked at its entrance by a russet-leaved weeping birch, a new respite centre for young men and women with severe disabilities was opened yesterday in Galway.
The £250,000 bungalow, known as Eden House, was built for the Brothers of Charity Services and has been funded by the western branch of the Construction Industry Federation. Some 14 students with severe learning or multiple disability will use the building as a "home from home".
Based at the Brothers of Charity's John Paul campus, the respite centre will be able to accommodate six students at any one time out of a client group of 15. One of two living rooms has been earmarked for music lessons, and the emphasis in the design and interior decoration has been on light and space. The John Paul Centre provides residential services and a day-care programme for young adults with severe or profound intellectual disability, and it attracted national attention several years ago when the former president, Mrs Mary Robinson, opened a sensory garden on the campus.
Speaking on behalf of the parents of the young men and women involved, Ms Emily O'Connor paid tribute to members of the Construction Industry Federation for providing the resources to build the centre. Some of the parents will now be able to take a holiday for the first time in many years, knowing that the students are in a safe, secure and happy environment.
The official opening was performed yesterday by the Mayor of Galway, Cllr Angela LynchLupton, and the weeping birch was planted by Mr Bill Whelan of Riverdance fame.
