Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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141. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if equine therapy facilities will be developed at the HSE’s Toghermore campus in Tuam, County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28155/26]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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This Government and I are fully committed to providing the necessary supports for people with disabilities throughout the country including those in Galway.

The Toghermore house site in Tuam which is owned and operated by the HSE is under review.

Following a feasibility study, a more in-depth Health Planning Study was devised to provide greater detail and allowing a more informed decision to be made on the suitability of the site.

The tender document for a Health Planning Analysis of the entire Tuam Community Health area has been finalised by the relevant services and was advertised on the HSE’s E tenders the week of the 16th February 2026 and the deadline for return of tenders was Friday 13th March 2026.

The HSE have advised that the tenders have been received and are being evaluated by their local estates colleagues. They are hopeful that the successful bidder will be awarded the contract shortly.

The purpose of the Health Planning Analysis is to develop a Development Control Plan for the community health area, to inform future needs of HSE services in the area.

As part of the health planning analysis, Toghermore House and the usage of surrounding lands will be considered. It is important for the people of Galway that this review is done properly and promptly to ensure that the Government can provide the best possible services to the people of the area now and into the future.

At present the HSE continue to utilise facilities on the grounds of Toghermore House for a number of services including, National Counselling services, Mental health services, Quality and risk, Paediatric outpatient services and HR and administration support.

In addition to the previously mentioned services, a building at Toghermore campus has been temporarily licensed by HSE to the Office of Public Works for the use of the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam (ODAIT).

ODAIT, which is a time-bound agency under the auspices of the Department, is overseeing the excavation, recovery, analysis, identification (if possible) and dignified reburial of remains located at the former Mother and Baby institution in Tuam.

The Office of Public Works is currently undertaking refurbishment works to fit-out the building on the HSE Toghermore campus to meet the requirements of ODAIT. The works are also addressing essential structural issues, for example works on the roof and upgrades to mechanical and electrical installations.

The Department will continue to monitor the progress of the HSE in reviewing the Toghermore site, with any further progress on the utility of the site being subject to the outcome of the Health planning analysis, which includes considerations of an equine therapy centre.

This Government is committed to delivering real and tangible solutions to enhance services and to better support the needs of children with additional needs in Ireland