Donegal Declared Home Care ‘Blackspot’ Amid 341 Waiting List Crisis

URGENT UPDATE: Donegal has been officially labeled a home care ‘blackspot’ as the county grapples with a staggering 341 individuals waiting for essential home care services. This alarming situation is prompting calls for immediate government intervention.

Home & Community Care Ireland (HCCI) is urging the government to allocate an additional €1 million for home care hours in Donegal as part of Budget 2026. HCCI Policy and Advocacy Lead, Jamie Farrelly, emphasizes the dire need for support for families struggling under the weight of these long waiting lists.

This critical shortage in home care services raises serious concerns about the well-being of vulnerable individuals in the region, highlighting the urgent need for government action. Families are left anxiously waiting for the support they desperately need.

Farrelly stated, “Families simply need the support,” reflecting the frustration and desperation felt by many in Donegal. The current waiting list not only affects the quality of life for those in need but also places immense pressure on caregivers and healthcare systems.

With these developments, local advocates are calling on stakeholders to prioritize funding for home care services, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive timely and adequate assistance. The time for action is now, as families wait in uncertainty.

This crisis in Donegal adds to a growing list of challenges facing home care services across Ireland, pushing the issue into the national spotlight. As the government prepares for Budget 2026, the call for increased funding has never been more pressing.

What happens next remains to be seen, but families and advocates are closely monitoring the government’s response. Officials are expected to address these concerns in upcoming discussions, and the impact of their decisions will be felt throughout the community.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the situation unfolds. The implications of these waiting lists are profound, affecting not just individuals in need but the entire fabric of community support in Donegal.