Minister set to open newly renovated St Christopher's Service hub in Longford

Preparations are taking place for the official opening of a new hub at St Christopher's Services in Longford by Minister of State for Disabilities Anne Rabbitte which will cater for school leavers.

The centre, which was founded by parents and friends, provides a comprehensive, efficient and innovative service for people with an intellectual disability.

CEO Marian Keigher said St Christopher's stated she is delighted to report that they have extended their services to facilitate the admission of 2024 school leavers.

"We are absolutely delighted that this is happening and we have progressed the services to this level where we are now opening a new hub for 2024 school leavers," she said. "We are really pleased that we are progressing and developing as we have always done."

Ms Keigher said staff have been recruited and the facilities have been renovated to deliver this service.

"Our focus is present stability and future development and it is a pleasure and an honour to see it progress to this level and we would like to thank everyone who has assisted us," she said. "We appreciate the support from the HSE, all of our different partners and the community at large."

Ms Keigher stated there is great anticipation ahead of the official opening of the hub by Minister Rabbitte on Tuesday, October 8.

"She has taken time out of her busy schedule to come down and she has been invited down by us and obviously the local politicians have supported us in getting her down here and I would like to thank them," she said. "She has a keen interest in St Christopher's and she has done a lot of good work in the area of intellectual disability in the country and we do appreciate that and it is an honour to have her down."

Ms Keigher stated the development has been funded by Day Opportunities Services in the HSE and they acknowledge and appreciate their partnership role in the delivery of services.

The CEO explained Minister Rabbitte and local representatives are working with them to ensure that they have the resources to provide a service that they can all take pride in.

"We want to also acknowledge the wonderful work and contribution made by staff in keeping St Christophers services at such a high standard," Ms Keigher said. "The new service users are adjusting to life in the adult world and there is a great sense of achievement and hope for the future."