Go ahead for dedicated Down Syndrome centre

PLANNING permission has been granted for a new dedicated centre for people with Down Syndrome, to be based in Swinford.

An existing residential property at Kilbride is being converted as part of the proposal.

The late Máirt Campbell donated his home for the purpose of developing a centre to provide services and supports to children and adults with Down Syndrome.

The four-bedroom bungalow is strategically located outside Swinford, just off the N5.

In documents lodged with the planning application, Down Syndrome Ireland said they wished to use Martin's legacy as intended and develop the house into a setting that can be used by people in the west.

The plan is that the internal layout be changed to allow for a meeting/office/training space, two treatment rooms that could be used for physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language, and a sensory room/playroom, and an outdoor special needs playground.

It is intended to have an admin person on site and a regional officer using the centre as their base of operations to service the Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo and Leitrim branches.

“Having this centre in the west will allow for better outcomes for children and adults in our community. It will allow our children the best start and our adults the opportunity to gain independence and employment,” the submission stated.