Taoiseach Opens Expanding Children's Respite Centre in Cork

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin has officially opened An Síreach, an expanding children's respite service on Cork's northside operated by Horizons (formerly Cope Foundation).

The centre will deliver planned short-break supports for up to 55 families with children who have intellectual disabilities and additional needs such as autism or physical and medical conditions.

An Síreach has been purpose-designed to create a child-friendly, sensory environment that supports children with complex medical, behavioural and developmental needs in a safe, regulated and inclusive setting.

The overnight respite services offered have been shown to improve children's wellbeing, independence and social development, whilst benefiting families by providing support which prevents carer burnout and positively contributes to the wellbeing of the family unit.

Expansion Plans

Horizons already has plans to build wider respite infrastructure around An Síreach, including additional respite beds in an adjacent building to increase capacity and flexibility for children and families.

The expansion will offer options for families who require non-overnight supports, as well as an afterschool and weekend Children's Hub providing structured social, recreational and developmental activities outside of school hours.

These measures will significantly enhance local capacity, reducing pressure on both families and residential services.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:

"Delivering real progress for people with disabilities and their families is a key priority for me and for this Government. This is why we made a significant allocation of resources to the expansion of respite and therapy services in Budget 2026. An Síreach is a manifestation of best practice in this field, and a shining example of what's possible when people with disabilities are put at the centre of design and decision-making around services to meet their needs."

Lorraine Egan, CEO Horizons added:

"We are seeing more and more families seeking the kind of specialist respite care that An Síreach provides, as there simply hasn't been enough availability to meet the rising number of children with complex needs. Respite services like ours make a real difference, not just to the children and families we work alongside, but to the wider community, helping ease the strain on hospitals and emergency departments and supporting families to avoid unnecessary or premature full-time residential placements."

She continued: "At Horizons, An Síreach represents a vital source of comfort and support for families, and it's just one part of our ongoing commitment to deliver flexible services that truly respond to the unique needs of those we support. We are grateful to the HSE, our Cork community, and all our supporters for their contributions, and especially thank the families who place their trust in us to care for their children."

Family Testimonial

Aidine Condon, whose son Rian has been availing of respite at An Síreach, said:

"Horizons' respite is home from home for us. Rian is well looked after and cared for and we'd be lost without them. It means the world to us. It's a relief for us to know that he can come up here, have fun with his peers, have outings and he's treated like a king."

Horizons supports over 3,500 children and adults of every ability to live 'Your Life, Your Way'. The organisation has more than 120 locations across Cork city and county with 1,600 full and part-time staff employed.