Major fundraising campaign launched for €1.2m Alzheimer’s day care facility
Pictured at a site meeting relating to the project back in January were former chairperson of Roscommon MD Paschal Fitzmaurice, CE of Roscommon County Council Shane Tiernan, Liam Callaghan (former Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council), Mairead Nally, (board director, Western Alzheimer’s, chair of WA Voluntary Committee Roscommon region), and Pat McHugh (chairperson, Western Alzheimer’s).
A major fundraising campaign has been launched to help develop an Alzheimer’s day care facility in Roscommon Town. The Western Alzheimer’s Foundation is now advancing plans for the €1.2 m facility.
The aim is to expand dementia care and support services in the region, providing essential respite and structured daytime support, easing the immense pressure faced by local family carers and ensuring individuals with dementia receive specialised, compassionate care close to home.
Established in 1996, Western Alzheimer’s provides specialist care and support to families affected by dementia across Roscommon, Galway, and Mayo.
The organisation said it has secured an initial €400,000 towards the project and is launching a community fundraising campaign to bridge the remaining financial gap.
“Western Alzheimer’s is proud to announce a major push towards the development of a state-of-the-art day care facility in Roscommon Town,” the group said in a statement. “The project marks a vital step forward in expanding dementia care and support services for families across the region.”
Building upon the acquisition of a site and planning permission from Roscommon County Council at Hawthorne Drive, Athlone Road in June 2024, the charity said it is now turning its full attention to turning the shovel-ready site into a dedicated, purpose-built environment for those living with dementia.
“Western Alzheimer’s wishes to extend its sincere gratitude to Roscommon County Council and chief executive Shane Tiernan, former and current Cathaoirleach of the council, Liam Callaghan and Domnick Connolly and all the elected representatives for their proactive assistance, cooperation, and instrumental support in ensuring the smooth transfer of the site,” the charity said in a statement.
While the acquisition of the site represents a massive milestone, the total capital cost required to construct and develop the modern-day care facility is estimated at €1.2 million.
The charity said it has already secured an initial €400,000 towards the project through local fundraising events, such as coffee mornings and the annual St Stephen’s Day Charity Walk, organised by the local voluntary committee.
“We must acknowledge all these volunteers for their ongoing commitment to the delivery of this much needed facility,” the foundation emphasised.
To bridge the remaining financial gap and bring this much-needed facility to reality, the charity is launching an intensive community fundraising campaign, and is asking people to consider raising money for it through any number of events.
“Western Alzheimer’s is calling on the local community, businesses, and philanthropic donors throughout County Roscommon and the west of Ireland to get behind the project. Every donation, local event, and corporate sponsorship brings the charity closer to completing the €1.2 million facility.”
*For more information on how to support the fundraising campaign, make a donation, or get involved locally contact Melissa Roche on 087 6184401 or email fundraising@westernalzheimers.ie.
