The Northern Ireland Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has cut the first sod at a facility that will significantly enhance respite services for disabled children and their families in Co Tyrone.

The new £2.2million development will be based at the former Omagh General Hospital site and will provide short term breaks for children up to 18 years of age. The facility will be opened in 2011.

"I am committed to providing integrated support services for children with disabilities and their families," said Mr McGimpsey.

"We know that residential respite is an extremely important element of this support.

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"The short term breaks this new development will provide will be vital, for not only looking after the needs of children with disabilities, but also provide much needed respite for parents and carers who require ongoing support to provide care."

He continued: "Once completed this new development will provide a state of the art, child-friendly facility, which will enable children with complex needs, and their families, to avail of the opportunities and services they need and deserve."

Chairman of the Western Health and Social Care Trust, Mr Gerard Guckian added: "Following approval to proceed with the development of this new residential respite facility, we are delighted to welcome the Health Minister Mr McGimpsey on site to formally mark the start of construction.

"The work commencing today is a significant step towards providing families in the Omagh and Fermanagh areas with more children's respite opportunities and overall will enhance respite services across the Western Trust."

(NS/BMcC)