Charity group to embark on €13.7m building project

A CHARITY that specialises in helping children and adults with intellectual disabilities is to embark on a €13.7 million building project, enabling it to take even more people under its wing.

The proposed developments will represent the biggest step forward for CoAction, since a group of parents started the organisation in Bantry in 1975.

CoAction chief executive Maurice Walsh confirmed yesterday it was hoped to start construction on the new facilities early next year.

The charity, which caters for people in the west Cork region, intends to build a child and family centre along with a residential unit in Dunmanway.

In addition, it will provide an adult services unit in Clonakilty, while in Bantry CoAction will build a high-needs residential unit and also upgrade its adult services unit.

Mr Walsh confirmed CoAction will also extend its adult services facilities in Castletownbere.

Currently, the charity cares for 340 people, two-thirds of whom are children. But the building programme will enable it to take on even more.

“Government grants will assist in funding the projects,” he said. “We get limited funding from the Health Service Executive, but we get grants for residential projects from the Department of the Environment.

“Obviously, fundraising locally also plays an important part but the organisation will probably have to draw down some loans for the projects,” said Mr Walsh.

CoAction rents two houses in Bantry but as several of the people it cares for have mobility difficulties as well, these are not fully suitable.

“The projects represent a huge step forward for us and will mean that we will be well-equipped for the next 10 to 15 years. We have always received fantastic support from the people of west Cork and we’re hoping that they will be even more generous, if that’s possible, in the years to come,” said Mr Walsh.

As part of its fundraising activities, CoAction is hosting a golf classic at Bantry Bay Golf Club from August 23 to 25. The entry fee per team of three is €350 which includes lunch. To support the event, contact 027-54022 or 086-1714188.