HSE South West is in advanced discussions to provide two new respite houses in Kerry.
That’s according to the Minister for Disability, and Kerry TD, Norma Foley.
There are currently four HSE respite houses in the county: two for adults in Listowel and Cahersiveen, and two for children in North Kerry and South Kerry.
Each house has four beds and operates seven days a week, with planned closures during the year.
A further six beds are provided by the Kerry Parents and Friends Association (KPFA) for adults attending their services.
The total number of respite beds in Kerry is 23.
Budget 2026 allocated €3.9 billion to disability services.
As part of this, the HSE will provide €180,000 in funding to Kerry Social Farming to offer alternative respite for 100 people.
The funding also supports a recently launched weekend respite club for children in Kerry, providing care for around twenty children on a rotational fortnightly basis.
Some families have also received bespoke respite arrangements to meet specific needs.
Minister Foley said that respite is a vital resource for families.
