Taoiseach Micheál Martin recently cut the ribbon on our expanding children’s respite service, An Síreach, on the northside of Cork city.
An Síreach will deliver planned, short-break supports for up to 55 children with intellectual disabilities and additional needs such as autism or physical and medical conditions. The service has been purpose-designed to create a child-friendly, sensory environment that supports children with complex medical, behavioural and developmental needs in a safe, regulated and inclusive setting.
The overnight respite services it offers have been shown to improve children’s wellbeing, independence and social development and to benefit families by providing a model of support which prevents carer burnout and positively contributes to the well-being of the family unit.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “Delivering real progress for people with disabilities and their families is a key priority for me and for this Government. This is why we made a significant allocation of resources to the expansion of respite and therapy services in Budget 2026. An Síreach is a manifestation of best practice in this field, and a shining example of what’s possible when people with disabilities are put at the centre of design and decision-making around services to meet their needs.”
Lorraine Egan, CEO Horizons added: “We are seeing more and more families seeking the kind of specialist respite care that An Síreach provides, as there simply hasn’t been enough availability to meet the rising number of children with complex needs. Respite services like ours make a real difference – not just to the children and families we work alongside, but to the wider community, helping ease the strain on hospitals and emergency departments and supporting families to avoid unnecessary or premature full-time residential placements. At Horizons, An Síreach represents a vital source of comfort and support for families, and it’s just one part of our ongoing commitment to deliver flexible services that truly respond to the unique needs of those we support. We are grateful to the HSE, our Cork community, and all our supporters for their contributions, and especially thank the families who place their trust in us to care for their children.”
Aidine Condon’s son Rian has been availing of respite at An Síreach. She said: “Horizons’ respite is home from home for us. Rian is well looked after and cared for and we’d be lost without them. It means the world to us. It’s a relief for us to know that he can come up here, have fun with his peers, have outings and he’s treated like a king.”
Special thank you to Micheál Martin, Jerry Buttimer who is a member of Horizons and to the Deputies and our Department of Children, Disability & Equality colleagues, the wider community and most importantly the children and their families for celebrating with us.
We are so grateful for the trust and the support of everyone involved.