Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2026
478. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality as a result of the publication of the HSE Capital Plan for 2026, if she will provide more detailed information on the projects planned to progress with disability services in Cork and Kerry during 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18125/26]
View answerThe National Development Plan (NDP) review has significantly increased the funding ceiling for Disability Services over the next five years leading to a total investment of €278 million by 2030. The Department's Sectoral Capital Plan, published on 27 November 2025, sets out at a high level the infrastructure development plans for the Specialist Disability Sector across the areas of residential, respite, day services and supports for multi-disciplinary teams. I have separately asked the HSE to develop a multi-annual capital strategy for disability services which will provide more detail on the anticipated allocation of the NDP funding in the coming years.
€43 million has been ring-fenced for capital funding to support Community Based Specialist Disability Services in 2026, the details of which can be found in the recently published HSE Capital Plan 2026.
Appendix Three lists projects to be supported with funding from the Department of Children, Disability and Equality in 2026. This includes the following projects in the HSE South-West Region.
• The acquisition and fitout of a property to enable phased upgrade of the disability facility Oakvale, at Greencloyne, Youghal, Co. Cork, which is to provide Disability Residential Services. This project is at design feasibility stage.
• The purchase of a property at Shanakiel, Co. Cork to provide continued residential service. This project is at design feasibility stage.
• The purchase and renovation of a property at Ardmoneel, Killorglin, Co. Kerry, which is to provide a residential dwelling. This project is at detailed design stage.
In the context of the increased investment in Disability Services in 2026, the HSE is examining a number of other disability projects which may be added to the Capital Plan during the year. In doing so, the HSE will take into account the need for regional balance and to ensure an appropriate blend across service areas.
In 2026, €6m has also been allocated to fund a programme of minor capital projects across the country, which will support the mitigation of infrastructure risk and the provision of safe facilities for service users, staff and the public. A further €2m is allocated for climate action projects. Programme level funding will be allocated across the six Health Regions, including HSE South-West Region.
