Funding for three cancer support groups in Wicklow

Budget 2025 contains new investment in cancer services nationally of €41 million, including a €5.5 million allocation to the Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres and Services nationally.

Purple House in Bray, Greystones Cancer Support and Arklow Cancer Support Group are members of the Alliance and will receive funding during 2025.

Minister of Health Stephen Donnelly made the funding announcement on Monday while paying a visit to Purple House Cancer Support Centre in Bray, where he also stated he has asked his Department to consider funding for other cancer support services in Co Wicklow.

"I was pleased as Minister for Health to allocate once off state funding to our community cancer support services for the first time in 2024. I can now confirm that there will be an increase in this funding in 2025 and it will become permanent, annual funding.

"As Minister for Health and a local TD for Wicklow I have been really impressed with the work the community services do in Bray, Greystones and Arklow and I am delighted to be able to announce these groups will now get guaranteed annual state funding. My Department and the National Cancer Control Programme will work with these centres on their allocations for 2025."

Funding will also be available for other community cancer support groups around Wicklow who will be contacted by the HSE in the coming weeks.

Minister Donnelly added: "I'm aware of the great community supports by more groups in Wicklow for our cancer patients and cancer survivors. Wicklow Town Cancer Support, West Wicklow Cancer Support, Rathdrum Cancer Support and Roundwood Cancer Support have been doing superb work, so I've asked my Department to ensure these groups are also considered for some funding in 2025."