St. Michael’s House is proud to announce the official opening of the Caisleán Day Service, a state-of-the-art community-based facility that marks a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of disability supports.
The new centre was formally launched by Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton TD, who holds responsibility for Disability. The event celebrates a step forward in delivering rights-based, person-centred services that empower adults with disabilities to lead meaningful, connected lives within their communities.
Caisleán Day Service is the culmination of a journey that began in the 1980s with the original Castle Industries Training Centre in Malahide Road Industrial Estate. The service has undergone significant evolution to reflect the HSE’s New Directions model and this modern framework promotes individualised supports, enabling people with disabilities to make choices about how they live their daily lives.
Caisleán was co-designed with individuals who use the service and now supports 31 adults, offering a vibrant and inclusive space where individuals engage in meaningful activities and participate fully in community life.
The name Caisleán, the Irish word for “Castle,” was selected by service users themselves, honouring the heritage of the original service while embracing this new beginning. Since transitioning to the new location in February 2025, feedback from families, staff, and service users has been overwhelmingly positive.
Speaking at the launch today, Minister Hildegarde Naughton TD stated:
“Today’s opening of the Caisleán Day Service represents a step forward in how we support people with disabilities in Ireland. This new centre is a hub of opportunity and belonging for the community. It reflects a shift toward a more inclusive society where services are person-centred, rights-based, and rooted in the everyday lives of the people they support. I commend St. Michael’s House and everyone involved for creating a space where individuals can connect and live on their terms. This is the kind of innovation we need in disability services.”
Liz Reynolds, CEO of St. Michael’s House, echoed these sentiments:
“This centre embodies our commitment to rights-based, person-centred care. Caisleán is a vibrant, inclusive space that reflects the voices and choices of the people we support. It represents the future of disability services in Ireland, rooted in the community, shaped by those who use it, and designed to empower individuals to live full, connected lives.”
The launch event was attended by a broad cross-section of the St. Michael’s House community, including Chairperson Ciarán Bolger, Director of Adult Services Alison McCallion, HSE Day Opportunities Manager Jim Comiskey, members of the Executive Management Team, staff, families, and most importantly the people supported by the service.
The successful delivery of the Caisleán Day Service was made possible through partnership with the HSE, with architectural design by John Duffy Design Group and construction by Elliott Properties Ltd who were also in attendance.