No Funding Secured for Adult Eating Disorder Teams in Limerick and Clare
There is currently no funding allocated to establish a dedicated specialist adult eating disorder team in counties Limerick and Clare, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has confirmed. The lack of funding leaves the Mid West region without a specialist adult eating disorder team to which adults can be referred, as the Limerick Post reported.
The shortfall came to light during a recent meeting of the Regional Health Forum. Cllr James Ryan of County Clare submitted a written inquiry asking for a timeline regarding the implementation of adult eating disorder treatment in the Mid West area, a service previously promised by Minister of State Mary Butler.
HSE Response Outlines Pediatric Funding Contrast
Responding to the query, Maria Bridgeman, IHA Manager for HSE Mid West, stated that all new specialist mental health service developments depend strictly on national clinical programmes and the allocation of national development funding. While pediatric services received financial backing, adult services missed out.
In 2025, HSE Mid West received funding to establish a dedicated eating disorder team exclusively for children and young people. That youth-focused team currently includes two advanced nurse practitioners, one psychologist, and one dietician, with recruitment actively underway for a consultant.
By contrast, Ms Bridgeman acknowledged the adult sector’s status. HSE Mid West has not received funding to establish a dedicated adult eating disorder team, leaving no specialist adult team in the region to accept direct referrals.
Community Mental Health Teams Fill the Gap
Adults experiencing eating disorders currently receive assessment, treatment, and ongoing support from general community mental health teams across Limerick and Clare. Because this operational model has remained in place for many years, community teams have built experience supporting patients with eating disorders and providing evidence-based interventions during routine clinical practice.
When patients require more intensive interventions, treating consultant psychiatrists can refer them for inpatient treatment. However, Ms Bridgeman noted that establishing a multidisciplinary adult eating disorder team remains the preferred model of care, and the HSE Mid West continues engaging with national colleagues to advocate for future funding allocations.
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