Thousands rally and call to save respite centre in Co Roscommon

A Co Roscommon TD is calling for a stay of execution for the Cuisle respite centre.

Thousands of people marched through the town in the rain yesterday, calling on the Irish Wheelchair Association to reverse plans to close the centre next Friday, with the loss of 48 jobs.

Fianna Fáil's Eugene Murphy says it was an extraordinary turnout and "truly a tremendous day". He added the Association should listen to the people.

Incredible support today. Thank you all. #SaveCuisle pic.twitter.com/ysaM8A3cvc

— Save Cuisle (@savecuisle) November 23, 2019

"There was a huge crowd there, there was families there, there was people who use the service there," he said.

"I think it was heartwarming, particularly for the service users, such a show of strength from the community in Co Roscommon in particular and Galway and other parts of the country. Also there was quite a number of political people and other people who came to speak on behalf of the centre."

Huge crowd at Save Cuisle rally. 3/4000. Great to see. @savecuisle @RoscommonPeople pic.twitter.com/Aqbkq5EAt9

— Seamus Duke (@SeamusDuke) November 23, 2019

@SenatorTerry addresses 1,500 crowd at @savecuisle rally in Roscommon town today. Listen up @IrishWheelchair assoc. CEO & IWA Board!@fiannafailparty @irishrurallink @fionnansheahan pic.twitter.com/LaMGFCzdI2

— OLeyden (@OrlaLeyden) November 23, 2019

@FinianMcGrathTD but but but everyone wants the hotel option.... well @IrishWheelchair the facts SCREAM that we want to @savecuisle ... #SaveCuisle #ListenToYourMembers #ListenToYourVoters #IntegrateNotSegregate pic.twitter.com/hUoiGE1ueo

— Thomas Curran (@Tcurran0) November 23, 2019