Minister Donnelly Launches Wicklow Branch and Pledges to Review Funding for Parkinson’s Ireland

The Wicklow branch of Parkinson’s Ireland (“PI”) was officially launched in Ashford, Co. Wicklow, earlier today by the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD. During his speech, Minister Donnelly committed to addressing the lack of government funding for PI, in response to the CEO of Parkinson’s Ireland, Shane O’Brien, who highlighted the current lack of funding for PI in his speech.

The Wicklow branch becomes the 19^th branch of PI and will deliver vital services within the community to the circa 500 people living with Parkinson’s in Wicklow, their families and care partners.

Dara MacMahon, committee member, welcomed Minister Donnelly and outlined the background of how the branch was formed, including the local Parkinson’s choir which has been active for many years.

Shane O’Brien, CEO of Parkinson’s Ireland praised the incoming committee of Garrett Fennell, Dara MacMahon, Liz Wall and Valerie McCoy for all their hard work so far. He commented on the pivotal role that Parkinson’s Ireland’s plays in assisting the 15,000 individuals living with Parkinson’s in Ireland and the increasing demand for services amidst a rising diagnosis rate. With Parkinson’s Disease projected to double by 2040, the services provided by PI not only help prevent hospitalisation but also facilitate long-term rehabilitation, yielding significant cost savings for health services.

Shane noted that other than a small grant for physiotherapy and speech therapy in Galway and Mayo, PI receives no other government funding for its services. He called on Minister Donnelly to address this.

Minister Donnelly said in his speech that he was delighted to officially launch the Wicklow branch of PI. He noted that there had been improvements to neurological care in the HSE, but committed to reviewing the state funding for PI as a matter of priority and he wished the branch every success in the future.

The local choir, comprising individuals with Parkinson’s in Wicklow, then presented two songs, leaving everyone in attendance impressed by the group’s talent.

PI again wishes to thank its hard-working volunteers for all their assistance in the creation of the branch in Wicklow and for all the work they do, they also would like to thank Minister Donnelly for taking the time to attend this wonderful event.

If you are interested in joining PI as a member you can visit www.parkinsons.ie or email nationaloffice@parkinsons.ie

If you would like to contact the Wicklow branch directly, please contact Dara MacMahon at 086 8146926 or by email: dara@parkinsons.ie

Pictured: Beccy Cameron, Board Member Parkinson’s Ireland; Shane O’Brien, CEO of Parkinson’s Ireland; Stephen Donnelly TD, Minister for Health; Dara MacMahon, Wicklow branch committee member.