The meeting, organised by MS Ireland and held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Sligo on September 19th, brought together people living with Multiple Sclerosis, their families, healthcare professionals, and local representatives.
The event took place as MS Ireland renewed its call for the appointment of the first Community Worker in Sligo and Leitrim, seeking an investment of €72,997.56 to provide a local casework service to more than 300 people living with MS in the two counties.
Among those who spoke was Linda Barry McManus from Sligo, who shared her personal experience of accessing services in Donegal after being diagnosed with MS over 25 years ago. “Because I was able to use some Community Workers’ services in Donegal when I was first diagnosed, I know the value of those supports, especially when newly diagnosed,” she said.
“I also know the heartbreak of seeing those services available all over Ireland but not in Sligo. It is painful that just because of where I live, I cannot access them. I really hope we can get approval at last in the new budget.”
Chief Executive of MS Ireland, Ava Battles, told attendees that the absence of a local post was a serious concern. “There are more than 300 people living with MS in Sligo and Leitrim, yet they remain the only counties without a Community Worker,” she said.
“For a modest investment of just under €73,000, we can ensure fairness, provide early interventions, and improve outcomes for people with MS while easing pressure on HSE services.
“In the past, Community Workers from neighbouring counties tried to extend their services here, but that arrangement was not sustainable. A dedicated worker is the only way to guarantee consistent, long-term support for people with MS in Sligo and Leitrim.”
MS Ireland already operates a network of Community Workers in 24 other counties, providing services such as one-to-one casework, physiotherapy, fatigue management, and advocacy. Without a post in Sligo–Leitrim, many local people continue to rely on remote or occasional outreach.
The meeting concluded with a shared hope that funding can be secured so that people with MS in Sligo and Leitrim will have the same access to support services as those in other parts of the country.
To find out more, read the Business Case for a Community Worker in Sligo–Leitrim (pdf)