€1.6m play centre for disabled children to open in Limerick

The country’s first play centre for disabled youngsters will open its doors to the public next month, a children’s charity has said.

Building work on the €1.6m Limerick-based complex, designed specifically for sick and disabled children, is due to be completed by next Friday.

Chiefs from the Share A Dream Foundation said the 12,000sq ft all-inclusive facility, called ‘Dreamland’, will be free to use for children with special needs.

The Limerick-based charity has raised the bulk of the funds towards the project, after receiving support from local tycoon JP McManus, the HSE, the Department of Education, and the National Lottery.

However, Ciara Brolly, spokesperson for the organisation, said a further €750,000 still needs to be raised to cover the operating costs of the centre which will cater for Ireland’s estimated 70,000 disabled youngsters.

Shay Kinsella, the charity’s founder: “All children have a right to play.

“However, if you visit any playground or play centre in Ireland, you will see the total lack of inclusive play opportunities available to disabled children,” he said.

www.shareadream.ie