When Liskennett Equine Therapy Centre opened in 2015 near the village of Granagh, little did St. Joseph’s Foundation expect that the demand for such a service would be so high among families of autistic children in Cork, Limerick and further afield, but the centre has proved so successful that it was announced this week that planning permission will be sought in the coming weeks for a new €2.7m equine therapy centre in Meelaherragh, near Kanturk.
The development will be built on land donated by Kate Jarvey, owner of the Crown Centre in Ballin-collig, and will comprise an equine therapy centre similar to the centre at Liskennett, plus residential house to accommodate four children, and a new regional respite centre which will accommodate four people, including those with challenging behaviour. There will also be an all-weather playground, a sand arena for horse activities, and a café for parents, carers and visitors.
If planning is approved, the new equine therapy centre is expected to open in 2023.