Troy calls for faster progress on dementia services

Local Minister of State Robert Troy TD has called for accelerated progress on dementia services, while highlighting key developments delivered across Westmeath.

Speaking in Dáil Éireann, Deputy Troy said dementia continues to impact a growing number of local families and requires urgent action.

“Dementia is touching more and more families across Westmeath. While progress has been made, we now need to move faster to ensure services are there when people need them,” he said.

Deputy Troy pointed to the establishment of dementia day care services in Athlone and Multyfarnham, along with the rollout of memory clinics, as significant local progress. He noted his own role in supporting the development of services, particularly in Multyfarnham.

“The Multyfarnham centre is set in a beautiful location and, with its own dedicated bus, is serving a wide rural catchment area. These services are making a real difference to people and their families,” he said.

He also paid tribute to community efforts, acknowledging Eileen and Ray for their work with the Friday Club at the Mullingar Bridge Centre.

“The dedication shown by Eileen and Ray at the Friday Club is a powerful example of the community spirit supporting families living with dementia,” he added.

Deputy Troy said a key priority now is ensuring memory clinics are fully staffed and adequately resourced to provide timely diagnosis and support.

He also stressed the importance of delivering on the Programme for Government commitment to place home care services on a statutory footing.

“People want to stay in their own homes, close to their families and communities. We need to make that a reality by ensuring memory clinics are properly resourced and by putting home care on a statutory basis,” he said.

He concluded by urging further action to build on progress already made in Westmeath.

“Good progress has been made locally, but we must now accelerate delivery. Families cannot afford to wait," the Deputy concluded.