Minister of State for Disabilities, Anne Rabbitte T.D., visited Ballymacool Respite House in Letterkenny today to meet with children and adults enjoying the new sensory garden.
In February 2022, Ballymacool Respite House was successful in its application to the Strengthening Disability Services Scheme receiving €20,000 to develop a sensory garden. The sensory garden has been a work in progress over the past two years and is nearing final completion. The Minister took time out to view the garden and to speak with service users and staff at Ballymacool Respite House.
She commented “It is wonderful to get the opportunity to visit Ballymacool Respite House and to experience first hand this beautiful sensory garden and how it benefits all who use the services. This was made possible not alone by the Strengthening Disability Services Scheme funding but also through the support of individuals using the service, their families, staff and the wider community.” The sensory garden has a seating area so that those attending the service can relax outside surrounded by beautiful planting and lighting.
The garden has a raised vegetable patch to grow some of the food and herbs used in meal preparation at the centre. It has a variety of plants in various planting areas to meet the sensory needs of those attending Ballymacool. It also has a mosaic wall that incorporates mirroring, bird houses that encourage the local wildlife to visit the garden and an area made with tyres which can be u.