The Minister for Health has confirmed that the cancer support centres in Carlow and Kilkenny will benefit from Budget funding.
The plan outlined €41million investment in such services across the country as part of the National Cancer Strategy – €5.5million of this is for the Alliance of Community Cancer Support and Service nationally.
Cois Nore in Kilkenny and Éist in Carlow are part of the Alliance.
Minister Stephen Donnelly says the monies will “Provide vital services for cancer patients in communities throughout Ireland, both adults and children. They do tremendous work to ensure that national survivorship programmes are available all across Ireland. This government places great value on the dedication of the staff and volunteers who make these centres possible.
“I was pleased as Minister for Health to allocate once-off state funding to our community support service for the first time in 2024. This year’s allocation of €5.5 million represents an increase in this funding in 2025 and it will become permanent, annual funding.”
Mary Dolan, Centre Manager at Cois Nore says; “Membership of the Alliance gives credibility to the charity, helps with lobbying at national level and provides comfort to potential funders. The accreditation process was challenging but the success in achieving full membership gives us the opportunity to receive Government funding from the recent budget allocation of €5.5m nationally. This funding will be for operational costs, as opposed to development of the new premises, but does give us some certainty for the future provision of our free services.”
It comes as Cois Nore has reported that it’s reached a significant fundraising milestone, having now raised the first €500,000 of a targeted €2m to provide a new home on the Waterford Road in Kilkenny.
Passers-by will have noticed the external site clearance with the colourful Cartoon Saloon-designed bill-board depicting the incremental steps on the
fundraising journey. The important first step has now been taken.
According to Cois Nore’s Chairman Bill Cuddihy the charity has attracted widespread community support for its fundraising activities, saying:
“We need to publicly acknowledge the fantastic support from all of our donors. When we published our core story last year, we chose the title “In it
together”, reflecting the fact that we are rooted in our community. The range and level of financial support shows that people get it – they understand the
need for a community response to support anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis. They have responded to the call, ensuring that our free services will
continue. We want to create a safe haven where people feel the embrace of a caring community.”
Hear Dr Cuddihy’s fundraising update here;
