PLANS for a dedicated residential centre for adults with autism in Dunmanway have moved a step forward after it was confirmed that the HSE is considering detailed plans, subject to funding.

Cllr Danny Collins raised the issue at a recent meeting of the Regional Health Forum South West.

‘This is going on for ten years and the people who are spearheading this are mainly volunteers. I would hope that we could see it go to planning stages in the very near future. This centre is badly needed in the area,’ he said.

Through their annual Christmas tractor run in Kilbrittain campaigners Jim O’Mahony and Anne Sheehan have raised thousands of euros for autism supports.

A milestone was reached in November 2025 when John and Mary McCarthy generously donated a site for the centre to CoAction West Cork.

The HSE said the project has been planned for a number of years, following engagement between locals and the then Minister of State for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Anne Rabbitte.

‘CoAction are seeking to develop two supported living apartments, one respite house and a day service on the land,’ said Priscilla Lynch, IHA Manager Cork South and West at HSE South West.

‘CoAction would like to progress this project as soon as is reasonably possible and commence the procurement process for a design and build team. Should this project progress successfully it would provide much needed additional residential and respite capacity in the Dunmanway area.’

Ms Lynch said CoAction had submitted a business case which was being considered subject to capital and development funding being made available to the HSE.