Workers Party tackles Trust on Carers (84) Care Package changes
by Columba O'Hare originally on Newry.ie website 20th April 2026
Workers Party representative Nicola Grant has called out the Southern Trust following their plans in March to withdraw a care package from 84 year old Alphie Lonergan from Loughgilly who's caring for his two adult sons with severe learning disabilities.
The care package was to be stopped totally 31 March 2026 but following details of their story being published in the media, it seems that one hour has been reinstated, however this has not yet been confirmed in writing.
Lonergan, whose two sons Donall and Ronan both have severe learning disabilities, had received a three-hour daily care package from the Southern Trust. That support was reduced significantly in November 2023 to one hour, with that hour of assistance for son Donall, proposed to be withdrawn entirely at the end of March. The Trust attributed the withdrawal to a lack of available social care staff.
Grant said the case reflects a broader failure of the state to meet the needs of its most vulnerable citizens.
While Ronan's support was terminated, Donall, who is autistic and also lives with obsessive compulsive disorder, currently receives just one hour of minimal support per day to assist with basic routines such as getting up and dressed.
The family's rural location at Loughgilly is an additional factor, with access to services in rural areas often more limited than in urban settings, compounding the difficulties facing the household.
Alphie describes himself as physically capable but acknowledges the significant mental strain that comes with his caring responsibilities. At 84, he remains the primary source of support for both sons in the absence of formal care provision.
Grant said the reduction in care cannot be viewed in isolation and must be considered in the wider context of austerity, resource limitations and workforce shortages across health and social care. She said the case highlights the growing gap between policy intentions and the lived realities facing families with complex care needs, and called on the Southern Trust to urgently address the withdrawal of support.
The Lonergan Family have said they would like to thank everyone for their messages and continual support following publication of their story in the media.