The minister for children and Kerry TD, Norma Foley, has officially opened a new home in Killorglin for people with disabilities.
Clarealta House in Ardmoneel, Killorglin is now home to four people with disabilities with 24-hour staff support.
The opening ceremony included a tribute to Hannah, who had been due to move in there but had sadly passed away during its development.
A tree was planted in Hannah’s memory as part of the ceremony.
The house has been adapted to suit their individual needs including a kitchen for home-cooked meals, two sitting rooms and bedrooms they helped to personalise with their own furniture and belongings.
“I am very pleased to open Clarealta House,” said Minister Foley.
“I hope that it will be filled with friendship, laughter, shared meals, personal achievements and all the ordinary moments that turn a house into a home.”
This year, HSE South West is providing funding of €28.7m to Saint John of God Community Services Kerry, including for the opening of Clarealta House.
The development has also been delivered in co-operation with Saint John of God Housing Association, Kerry County Council, staff and the families of the people with disabilities now living in the house.
“I would like to thank Saint John of God Community Services Kerry for its commitment to delivering services to people with intellectual disabilities here in Killorglin and right across County Kerry,” said Minister Foley.
“I also want to acknowledge HSE South West, Saint John of God Housing Association, Kerry County Council and all those involved in helping bring this service to fruition.
“The opening of Clarealta House is a testament to what can be achieved when people work together with a shared purpose.”
Saint John of God Community Services Kerry works with more than 300 children and adults with disabilities through its training, employment, social and residential programmes.
It is also working in partnership with the St John of God Housing Association to develop the residential house for four residents in Castleisland.
There are over 9,000 people with disabilities living in residential services around the country and Minister Foley said providing residential places is a key priority for Government.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme