The event was held at the MS Care Centre – the only facility in Ireland dedicated to providing respite for people with MS. Guests enjoyed tours, conversation and refreshments while learning about the vision to transform the facility into the MS Ireland National Services Hub by quarter four 2026.
Since the late 1980s, the MS Care Centre has provided respite and rehabilitation to thousands of people with MS and other neurological conditions. Located in the Bushy Park / Rathgar area, the centre remains a cornerstone of MS Ireland’s services. It currently offers therapeutic services, short-term respite care, and social and recreational activities in a homely environment.
With 12 ensuite-accessible bedrooms, including six high-care dependency beds with hoist assistance, the MS Care Centre supports between 450 and 500 admissions each year. Stays are usually seven or twelve nights, depending on the needs of residents. For many families, it has been described as a lifeline and a much-needed place of care and community.
Speaking after the event, Ava Battles, Chief Executive of MS Ireland, said the day had been “an inspiring opportunity to share our vision for the future. For more than 35 years, the MS Care Centre has supported people with MS and their families. Now we are determined to ensure that this facility is not just sustained, but transformed into a modern National Services Hub that can meet the evolving needs of our community nationwide.”
Battles explained that MS Ireland has “already invested €264,000 to begin this journey, but the total project cost is estimated at €2.5 million. This includes €1.5 million for essential new build works and €750,000 for critical energy efficiency improvements.
“To bring this vision to life, we are seeking to raise €1.2 million with the support of our community and partners. These renovations will allow us to centralise services, expand our reach, and continue to deliver respite, physiotherapy, symptom management programmes, education and peer support — all under one roof.”
Battles added that the organisation was encouraged by the enthusiasm shown on the day: “We were delighted by the response from those who attended and the genuine interest in supporting our plans. We are deeply grateful to all our funders, partners and community members who joined us today, and we look forward to working together to make this vision a reality.”
For more information and read how you can help please visit our dedicated website here: https://renewmsireland.ie/