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Minister Finian McGrath speaking at the opening of the new Down Syndrome Kerry offices with Chairperson of Down Syndrome Kerry, Rachel Fitzgerald (left) and MC for the event, Cathal Griffin (right). Photo by Dermot Crean
MINISTER of State for Disability Issues, Finian McGrath, was in town on Wednesday afternoon to perform the official opening of the new Down Syndrome offices at Balloonagh Estate.
Located adjacent to Burns Pharmacy at the entrance to the estate, the new centre will provide vital and beneficial services to all their members throughout the county of Kerry and also areas of North Cork and West Limerick.
There was a big crowd at the opening, including several local politicians and they all heard about the services provided by Down Syndrome Kerry. There was also news about the expansion of their 321 charity shop on High Street where the second floor will become a pre-loved book shop and coffee dock in the next week.
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Minister McGrath – who has a daughter with Down Syndrome and was Chairperson of the Dublin branch of Down Syndrome Ireland in he past – spoke about the importance of the services provided by Down Syndrome Kerry and said he would fight for improved services for people with intellectual disabilities.
Chairperson of Down Syndrome Kerry, Rachel Fitzgerald, said the branch has over 250 members and provides services such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, early intervention, adult literacy, work experience, Deenagh Lodge Tea Rooms in Killarney and the 321 shop in Tralee. There are 16 full-time and part-time employees who provide these services.
The annual cost of providing the services is €350,000 and they receive no state support but rely on constant fundraising by members and supporters. Scroll down for photos…
Rachel Fitzgerald and Emily Keohane cut the ribbon to open the premises. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Minister Finian McGrath (centre) with from left; Cllr Tom McEllistrim, Cllr Sam Locke, Mayor of Kerry Cllr Michael O’Shea, Chairperson of Down Syndrome Kerry, Rachel Fitzgerald, Michael Healy Rae TD, Secretary of Down Syndrome Kerry Sarah Kelleher, Martin Ferris TD and MC for the event Cathal Griffin. Photo by Dermot Crean
Minister Finian McGrath with committee members of Down Syndrome Kerry. Photo by Dermot Crean
