Áine Brady, T.D., Minister for Older People, today officially opened the extension to Coomanassig Day Care Centre Sneem, Co Kerry
09 September 2009
In 1987 the committee of Sneem Welfare Ltd saw the need for sheltered housing and six houses were built. Coomanssig Day Care Centre was also founded. In 2008 the group began the extension to the existing day centre. A new day room, laundry room, storage room, disability facilities and a garden area for residents and local people were built.
The newly extended centre will enable the group to provide enhanced services and increase the activities in the centre. Activities and services include, meals on wheels, chiropody, physiotherapy, transport physical activity, various outings, cultural events and social gain activities.
Speaking at the opening, Minister Brady said "Centres such as this play a vital role in the wider provision of modern, quality services to older people" and publicly acknowledged the tremendous role played by Sneem Welfare Ltd in developing the centre and in meeting local needs in such an effective and practical way.
The Minister added that, as Minister with responsibility for the Office for Older People, her '''Office reinforces clearly the commitment of the Government to enhancing many aspects of the lives of older people, particularly through promoting improved co-operation at all levels across both the statutory and voluntary sectors. One of the priorities of my Office is to develop a Strategy for Positive Ageing that will result in real improvements in the lives of older people and I look forward to involving all relevant stakeholders in achieving this objective.''
Sneem Welfare Ltd; was established as a company limited in November 1979. Since that date it has been run on a voluntary basis by a voluntary board of management. It was the idea of the then local doctor Ruth Stoakley. A committee was formed and they set about the task of finding land. The County Council donated land to the group. In 1987 the committee saw the need for sheltered housing. These houses were aimed at people who would need various services but would be in a position to live independently in the community until such time as they would need full time medical care. Six sheltered houses and a Day Care centre were built.
