Minister for Disability Anne Rabbitte has officially opened a new disability Day Service Hub in Creggs Rugby Club.
Operated by Ability West, the Avondale Hu’ was opened on Friday, with service users, family and friends, and community groups.
Creggs Rugby, Creggs Care Association, and pupils from Creggs National School were all in attendance.
Speaking at the launch. Galway East TD Anne Rabbitte, said that one of the best parts of her job as Minister is getting to travel around the country and see the wonderful, high quality disability services that organisations like Ability West are developing.
“And of course it is always particularly nice to visit services in Galway!” she said.
A brilliant job has been done in developing this service, it is a great credit to all involved, and I know Jackie Kelly of Ability West leads a great team here and over in Kilkerrin and Glenamaddy.
“Particular mention also goes to brothers Kieran and Gerard O’Dowd for their Trojan work getting this over the line.”
Minister Rabbitte said she also knows there are plans to develop further residential and respite service in the area, which she is hugely supportive of.
The Fianna Fáil TD hopes to attend the public meeting in Creggs on May 30 to discuss the plans with families and interested groups.
“I think this service is such a fantastic example of what New Directions is all about.
“It was established back in 2021 to provide a day service for two young women from the Creggs area, Amy and Caoimhe, and the service will be growing this year and into the future as more school leavers from the area transition to adult day services.”
The supports at Avondale are tailored to meet individual needs as much as possible, supporting adults with disabilities to be included in the community.
They aim to help adults maximise independence, develop personally and socially, express themselves and their own creativity, have meaningful social roles and influence service policy and practice in their own service.
