Meath foster families left without respite facility

Seventeen Meath foster families have been left without respite care as the Tir na nÓg facility in Navan has been repurposed as a residential facility.

The loss of the facility has dealt a devastating blow to the 17 families and 22 fostered children who benefited from respite at Tír na nÓg.

One local foster carer said it has been heartbreaking to try to explain to her children why they have lost the service they loved so much.

"It has been a great service and my children really looked forward to it. Now they are asking me if it was something they did wrong," she said.

"This has affected 17 families and I know of two foster placements that have broken down because of this," she said.

"Initially we really had to fight to get respite care but Tir na nÓg has been providing a great service. I am fostering two children with high level needs. Children who are in the care system have experienced trauma and it can be difficult.

"Two years ago I really needed respite and we had to fight to get it. At first the only way to get respite was for another foster family to take them in, but that required at least four meetings of the families before it could take place and then you were essentially handing over your children to a family you hardly knew.

"Tir na nÓg was great, you knew where they were going and it was very therapeutic. My children went there once a week. It took a while for them to settle in - foster children often have a fear that they are going to be moved on, but they had settled in, realised they would always be coming home and they were enjoying it, looking forward to their one day a week there," she said.

"Their confidence grew and they built trust with a lot of adults. They were doing so well at school and at home."

"That one day a week was also great for our daughter, who was often the background. She really enjoyed the time we were able to spend with her."

She said that out of the blue, on 7th February they received a phonecall to say that they couldn't avail of the service any more because the premises was being used as an emergency residential facility for two children.

"I asked if it was short term, but they couldn't give me a timescale because it was an emergency. I told them it was no wonder they couldn't get foster parents when they won't provide the services.

"Our children are settled, so I don't need the respite quite as much as before, but they miss it and I have had to explain that it isn't their fault, they did nothing wrong.

"Can you imagine the effect it is having on children who are just settling in?"

"Children in care come with a traumatic background, and some more than others, They start on the wrong foot and can struggle all their lives. We love our children, they are part of our family, we want them to get the best out of life. They have been on every holiday we have been on, we have them involved in every sport and local activity, but we need to recharge."

Deputy Darren O'Rourke said the lack of capacity in the system was shocking. He said there was no doubt the two children now in residential care there needed to be supported.

"It is a question of contingency and lack of capacity in the system. We’re left with a situation where foster parents are put under more and more pressure, at a time when it is difficult to get foster parents," he said.

In the Dail last week he asked the Minister for Children why the respite service had been closed and if it will be reviewed and reversed and asked for contingency to be made in the meantime.

In a response from Tusla, the child and family agency said they are often required to reprioritise available placements to respond to the urgent needs of children requiring residential care.

"On 7th April 2025, Tusla was informed that an emergency residential care provider could no longer support two young people due to staffing challenges. This necessitated the immediate identification of alternative placements.

"After reviewing all available options, a decision was made—under exceptional circumstances—to temporarily close a respite service in Navan in order to accommodate these critical placements.

"This respite unit has provided services to children from across the country, not only Meath This measure will remain in place until suitable, but longer-term alternatives are also secured.

"We fully recognise the impact this decision may have on families who rely on the respite service and we are committed to providing all available supports to those affected.

"At present, there is no confirmed timeline for the reopening of the respite service. However, the decision will be kept under active and ongoing review."