Minister Norma Foley launching the new Kerry Social Farming respite programme in Cahersiveen.MINISTER for Children, Disability, Equality and Kerry TD Norma Foley has officially opened Kerry Social Farming’s alternative respite programme for people with disabilities.
The initiative is providing up to 100 people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in meaningful farming experiences and other supportive social outlets.
People from all across Kerry are taking part in the programme which was launched in Patrick and Mary B Murphy’s dairy farm in Ballycarbery West, Castlequin, Cahersiveen.
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Minister Foley said: “It is an honour to launch this respite programme funded by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality via the HSE and delivered by Kerry Social Farming. This programme gives people with disabilities hands-on experience of the joys of being on a farm, supporting their wellbeing and enhancing their quality of life. Particular thanks to Joe McCrohan and the SKD team, Patrick and Mary B for their hospitality, all the host farmers and the participants themselves who bring such energy, enjoyment and fun to the programme.”
.The alternative respite programme will provide a range of activities for people with disabilities including hands-on farming experience and social events such as a summer BBQ.
There will be a range of visits to agri-tourism enterprises such as Dairymaster, McHale, Kerry Agribusiness as well as livestock marts, county fairs and shows. There will also be day trips to local amenities and attractions such as ring forts, forest walks, greenways and beaches.
Minister Foley praised the contribution of Kerry Social Farming since it was set up 13 years ago.
“This is a wonderful organisation which is at the heart of the community. 76 social faming days were provided during your first year of operation in 2013. This number increased over thirty times to 2,500 social farming days in 2025. What Kerry farmers and indeed Kerry Social Farming are doing for the people who avail of these services is so important. It is a model for others to follow.”
.The launch was attended by Noel Spillane, the chief executive of South Kerry Development Partnership, Joseph McCrohan, the manager of Kerry Social Farming, Eamon Horgan, the chair of the Kerry Social Farming working group and by Mary Keane, the manager of disability client services for the HSE in Kerry.
The Kerry Social Farming alternative respite programme is part of a growing range of alternative respite services for people with disabilities, including afterschool clubs, weekend activities, summer camps and evening activities.
These services are in addition to the ongoing overnight respite centre programmes from the HSE and disability service organisations.
