A new respite centre for children with high dependency needs is due to open in Limerick.
The centre has been described by families who depend on its services as a game changer.
The St Gabriel's Children's Respite Home will be located in Mungret in the southside of Limerick city.
It will cost €2m to build.
Over €1m has been secured from the JP McManus Benevolent Fund, and families are now seeking a further €1m.
The building is well under way and the plan is to open the centre in the autumn where it is expected 100 children and their families will benefit.
Staff for the new house will be funded in partnership with the Health Service Executive.
St Gabriel's identified 'respite' as a gap in their services, which prompted them to pursue the project.
The respite house will meet the needs of those children with highly complex health needs, which are not being met elsewhere in the region.
Last year Minister of State for Disability Finian McGrath identified respite as one of his priorities, and secured an additional €10m in last year's budget to help provide more places. He hopes to secure more funding this year, to continue the work in this area.
However a major gap in services remains, particularly in high dependency homes.
Respite care: Maia Quinlan has complex special needs. She's cared for with ♥ at home pic.twitter.com/QA6bjJJF6k
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) July 19, 2018
