Three disability services in County Louth are to benefit from €40k in funding to develop Sensory Gardens. The funding is part of a €1m investment in Sensory Gardens for disability services across the state announced yesterday by Minister of State for Disabilities, Anne Rabbitte TD.
The Malta Day Services in Drogheda have been awarded €7,541, the St. John of God Osprey Lodge Residential Unit in Termonfeckin is to receive €10,000 and the SJOG Willows Residential Unit in Ardee will get €22,000.
Fine Gael Deputy Fergus O’Dowd and North Louth based Fianna Fáil Senator Erin McGreehan have both welcomed the announcement.
Deputy O’Dowd said he had no doubt that this funding will improve the quality of life of service users.
“The applications for this particular funding stream was open to organisations providing services and supports to children and/or adults with disabilities, which are funded by the HSE through a Section 38 or Section 39 Service Arrangement” he said.
“These sensory garden projects will provide textures, smells and sounds in the units that will improve stimulation, accessibility and overall services. Another round of funding will be targeted in 2022.”
Senator McGreehan said she was delighted to see three successful Louth applications for these sensory gardens. “There is so much evidence that highlights how sensory supports including sensory gardens improve the quality of life of people with disabilities, as well as provide an accessible space to enjoy” she said.
Sensory gardens are designed to connect people with nature. Some are quiet places, designed to be calming, while others are designed to stimulate activity or to be used within therapeutic or educational programmes.They are designed to stimulate the senses by using plants the materials that stimulate the senses of sight, smell, touch, taste and sound.
