The farm will be Ireland’s first residential, step-down farm for adults in recovery, providing community, farming and therapeutic supports for up to 40 people at a time.
Ireland has one of the lowest levels of acute psychiatric beds in Europe.
Campaigners say it is time for change - and they are urging the public to write to every TD to highlight the importance of recovery-focused mental health services.
Over the weekend, large groups of people took part in the Step Up for Recovery walk in towns across the country.
Events were also held in Melbourne, Geneva, France and even Japan.
The walks aimed to raise funds for Kyrie Therapeutic Farm, a 57-acre site in Ardclough which is hoped to be the location for open a mental health recovery facility in 2027.
It will be Ireland’s first residential, step-down farm for adults in recovery, providing community, farming and therapeutic supports for up to 40 people at a time.
The project was founded by John McKeon, whose 18-year-old son died by suicide.
Speaking to Kfm, he said too many people are discharged from psychiatric hospitals without proper support - and more than 60% of admissions are readmissions.
A HSE report has already flagged a shortfall of 830 acute psychiatric beds nationally.
Ireland has just 23.8 adult acute beds per 100,000 people, compared with an EU average of 73.
Kyrie Farm has raised significant philanthropic backing — including a €1.25 million donation - but campaigners say government funding is crucial.
Mr McKeon is hopeful that funding raised will be matched by Government.
The facility would take 18 months to build and it is hoped that it will be up and running in 2027.
A similar facility exists in Massachusetts, with studies showing that people who spend up to ten months living on the farm experience major improvements - with fewer symptoms, better day-to-day functioning, a higher quality of life, and far lower rates of readmission to hospital.
Kyrie Farm is already up and running on the 57-acre site, where volunteers grow produce and sell vegetable boxes, with even bigger ambitions for 2027 if enough funds are raised.
Mr McKeon said the facility will provide additional supports, including linking those staying with housing agencies and other support systems.
Pet Theft Laws Will Be Under Scrutiny At An Oireachtas Committee Hearing Tomorrow
Clane Library Extends Opening Hours From Tomorrow
Future Of Community Text Alert App In Doubt As Funding Set To Run Out
One In Five Parents In Kilcullen Have Left Careers Due To Lack Of Childcare
Rise In Sexual Offences In Kildare As State Agency Launches Campaign Encouraging Survivors To Speak Out
Maternity, Dialysis And Cancer Care Formed Bulk Of Kildare’s 65,000 Procedures Last Year
€10,000 To Return Home: Cash Offer Being Considered For Asylum Seekers
Petition Launched By Newbridge Mother After Son’s Tragic Death Gathers Momentum
