Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

May I flag one more project with the Minister? I refer to a new disability centre at John's Hill, Waterford. It has been developed in conjunction with a support group, Touching Hearts. It was announced some months ago that this project was going to be approved under the capital allocations. Families in Waterford who are, at present, accessing services in John Street in Waterford are being told that they now have to travel to Dungarvan, including some who receive occupational therapy up to three times a week. That service is 30 miles away from the population of approximately 40,000 who live in this area. We need this centre developed. Can the Minister of State provide any clarity as to the status of the funding programme? When can we expect to see boots on the ground to deliver this new disability centre in John's Hill? It has been promised for a long time and parent groups and active supporters have fought very hard for it.

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