St. Joseph’s Foundation is thrilled to announce its acquisition of the iconic Red Brick building in Charleville, a landmark that has long been a pillar in the community.
Kerry Dairy Ireland, a division of Kerry Group and a steadfast supporter of St. Joseph’s Foundation, confirmed this week that it has officially transferred ownership of the building to the Foundation. This monumental handover reflects a shared commitment to strengthening services and support for people with intellectual disabilities in North Cork and South Limerick.
In his statement, Pat Murphy, CEO of Kerry Dairy Ireland, expressed pride in the transition, saying, “We are immensely pleased to see St. Joseph’s Foundation, an organisation we hold in high regard, become the new custodians of the Red Brick building. Their dedication to enriching the lives of individuals and families within our community is unparalleled. We are confident that this new chapter will only amplify their remarkable work.”
The Red Brick building, now in the care of St. Joseph’s Foundation, is set to become a central hub for a range of new and expanded services. The Foundation envisions transforming this landmark into a vibrant centre for therapy and day services, bringing crucial support directly to families in the region. But the Foundation’s vision for the Red Brick goes beyond its walls, encompassing a larger, holistic development to benefit individuals with disabilities and their families in Charleville and beyond.
A transformative new development for the community
Building upon this acquisition, St. Joseph’s Foundation is planning a landmark development on its Charleville campus. This ambitious project aims to create a self-supporting holiday respite complex that will include a variety of on-site services and recreational facilities, offering a unique and much-needed resource for families. Designed with accessibility and community in mind, the respite apartments will enable families to stay together while benefiting from on-campus therapies and activities, allowing them to experience the highest standards of care and support in a comfortable, engaging environment.
The proposed development will feature several state-of-the-art facilities. At its core, the complex will include equine therapy facilities, an intervention proven to support emotional, behavioural, and physical benefits for people with disabilities. These specialised programs will be staffed by trained professionals, offering an enriching and therapeutic experience to guests.
The campus already includes a hydrotherapy pool, known for its therapeutic benefits in improving mobility, easing joint pain, and promoting relaxation. This facility is an asset for individuals with specific physical needs, giving them a space where they can exercise and rehabilitate under safe and controlled conditions.
Upgrades to the Astroturf field, funded by the Government’s Capital Sports Grant of €177,000 will offer accessible outdoor recreation options to visitors. These facilities aim to create a welcoming environment for all ages, allowing families to relax and enjoy themselves while fostering social interaction and inclusivity.
An indoor arena is planned as part of this development, offering an all-weather, flexible space for recreational and therapeutic activities. This facility can be used for everything from indoor sports and exercise classes to events and gatherings for the Charleville community, reinforcing St. Joseph’s Foundation’s role as a central pillar of support in the region.
Local T.D. and Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters, Michael Moynihan supports St. Joseph’s plans and recently organised a meeting between the Foundation’s management team and the Minister for Finance, Jack Chambers T.D.
At the meeting, Deputy Moynihan impressed upon the Minister to support the Foundation, stating “for decades the Foundation has embarked on groundbreaking work, in more recent years around Equine Therapy and alternative programmes to support families and persons with disabilities. Kerry Group’s generosity is mind blowing and such generosity and confidence must also be forthcoming from government departments”
Impact on the local economy
The new development promises to do more than provide critical services; it is expected to create a lasting economic impact on Charleville and the surrounding area. By offering an accessible and family-oriented respite destination, the project will attract visitors not only from the local community but also from farther afield, supporting local businesses and promoting tourism in the area.
Families visiting the respite complex will have the opportunity to explore Charleville’s other attractions, from historic sites to local dining and shopping, creating a positive ripple effect across the local economy. The addition of on-site activities and the draw of specialised facilities like the hydrotherapy pool and equine therapy centre will position Charleville as a unique destination, making the region an attractive choice for families seeking a supportive holiday or weekend getaway that meets their specific needs.
The economic benefits extend to job creation as well, as St. Joseph’s Foundation anticipates hiring additional staff to manage and operate these facilities, from therapists and recreational specialists to support staff. The construction phase alone will generate employment opportunities, further boosting the local economy and supporting Charleville’s development.
A Vision for Charleville’s Future
Michael Hegarty, CEO of St. Joseph’s Foundation, conveyed his gratitude to Kerry Dairy Ireland for their support in securing the Red Brick building, noting, “This partnership, grounded in our mutual commitment to rural Ireland, ensures that our joint efforts will benefit Charleville and the wider region for decades to come. This milestone in the history of the Foundation allows us to advance a significant project that will enhance services for individuals with disabilities and their families, while contributing to the local economy.”
As St. Joseph’s Foundation moves forward with its plans, Michael states, “Charleville is set to become a model for inclusive development and rural revitalisation. By establishing a comprehensive centre that combines therapy, respite, and recreation, the Foundation will not only enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities but also contribute to the area’s vibrancy and resilience.”
With the Red Brick as its foundation, St. Joseph’s is poised to create a transformative space that will serve Charleville and the surrounding region for years to come. The community eagerly anticipates the positive impact of this development, which promises to enrich individual lives, empower families, and fuel the local economy in unprecedented ways.