The Health Service Executive (HSE) has turned the spotlight on disability supports in Carlow after CEO Anne O’Connor made her first official visit to the county since taking up the role in March. Her visit to Delta Services Centre in Strawhall underlines the importance of community-based care, inclusion, and long-term partnership between the HSE and frontline disability service providers in Ireland.
Anne O’Connor was joined by Minister of State at the Department of Health Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD and HSE representatives including Roseanne Killeen and Aoife Fitzgerald. The visit focused on seeing first-hand how Delta Services supports adults with intellectual disabilities, autism, and physical and sensory disabilities through day, residential, respite and multi-sensory services.
Health Service Executive (HSE) visit highlights disability supports in Carlow
Delta Services operates with HSE funding under a Section 39 service level agreement and provides a wide range of supports in the Carlow area. The organisation plays a significant role in disability care locally, with services designed to help adults live with dignity, independence and opportunity.
- More than 140 people use Delta’s day services in Carlow
- Up to 43 individuals access residential supports in community houses
- A dedicated respite house provides scheduled breaks for up to 65 individuals each year
- More than 180 individuals are supported across all Delta Services programmes
The visit reflects broader public interest in how the Health Service Executive (HSE), Department of Health, Social Protection and other public bodies work with local organisations to deliver practical supports on the ground.
Read more: latest Ireland public service updates and breaking Irish government and health sector news.
Delta Services showcases inclusive care, training and respite services
The Strawhall centre is more than a service hub. It also includes Delta’s award-winning Sensory Gardens across 2.5 acres, along with Café Thyme and a garden centre. These amenities are fully wheelchair accessible and welcome individuals, families, school groups and visitors, showing how disability services can be woven into community life rather than separated from it.
According to HSE Disability Care Day Services Manager Aoife Fitzgerald, the relationship between the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Delta Services is both close and valued. She said the visit gave the CEO the chance to meet staff and service users directly and to witness the quality of care and supports being delivered.
What Delta says the visit made possible
Delta Services Chief Executive Joe Meany said the occasion helped the organisation showcase not only essential supports, but also its commitment to the rights, ambitions and aspirations of adults with intellectual disabilities and autism. He also said the visit allowed Delta to raise challenges affecting service users, families and providers, while continuing engagement with the HSE on those issues.
This matters in the wider Irish public service landscape, where organisations linked to gov.ie, HIQA, Tusla, Citizens Information Board, the Department of the Taoiseach, Public Expenditure and Enterprise, Trade and Employment are increasingly focused on quality, accountability and person-centred delivery.
Explore more: in-depth Ireland lifestyle and community stories and top Irish local news and service access reports.
Why this Health Service Executive (HSE) visit matters
The Health Service Executive (HSE) visit is significant because it highlights the real-world impact of disability services in Carlow and the continuing need for investment in community care. It also reinforces the value of local providers that combine residential support, respite, training and developmental opportunities under one umbrella.
Key takeaway
For families, carers and policymakers, the message is clear: effective disability support depends on sustained cooperation between the Health Service Executive (HSE) and trusted local partners like Delta Services. As demand for person-centred care grows across Ireland, visits like this help keep attention on services that protect equality, dignity, privacy, safety and respect for every individual.
FAQs
Who visited Delta Services Centre in Carlow?
HSE CEO Anne O’Connor visited the centre, accompanied by Minister of State Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD and HSE officials.
What does Delta Services provide?
Delta Services supports adults with intellectual disabilities, autism, and physical and sensory disabilities through day, residential, respite and multi-sensory services.
How many people does Delta Services support?
Delta Services supports more than 180 individuals across its services, including over 140 people in day services.
Article/Image Courtesy: HSE
