Cork Centre for Independent Living
Support to live life your way
We help people with physical and sensory disabilities in Cork to live independently — through personal assistance, assisted living and accessible transport, all led by you.
About Cork CIL
Independent living, led by disabled people
Founded in 1996, Cork CIL is a community-based, not-for-profit disability service. We work with and on behalf of people with disabilities so they have the same choice and control over their own lives as everyone else.
A small central team on Monahan Road coordinates skilled Personal Assistants and service coordinators who co-design user-led supports with each person.
Our services
Practical support, built around you
Everything we do is designed to help you do the things you choose to do, in your own home and community.
Personal Assistance & Assisted Living
Skilled, Garda-vetted Personal Assistants supporting you with personal care, daily tasks and getting out and about — for adults under 65 with a physical or sensory disability in Cork's South Lee area.
Learn moreTravel Club
Door-to-door, wheelchair accessible transport across Cork with friendly drivers — for appointments, work, day services and social outings. Open to anyone with a disability, just €30 a year.
Learn moreHow to access personal assistance
A supported process that starts with your local Public Health Nurse — we'll help you along the way.
Contact your Public Health Nurse
Your local PHN is the first point of contact — they carry out an assessment and make a referral for support.
Referral to the HSE
Applications are considered by HSE Disability Services at interagency meetings every 6–8 weeks.
Support begins
A Personal Assistant works with you to design supports around your life and choices.
Careers
Become a Personal Assistant
Rewarding, flexible part-time work across South Lee — Cork City and suburbs, Douglas, Carrigaline, Bandon, Kinsale and Macroom. €16.34–€21.13 per hour, paid training, mileage and more. Staff are our greatest asset.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about our services, eligibility and how to get started.
Who is eligible for Cork CIL's Personal Assistant service?
Our Personal Assistant / Assisted Living service supports adults under 65 living in Cork city and the South Lee area who have a physical and/or sensory disability. If you're unsure whether you qualify, call us on 021 432 2651 and we'll talk it through.
How do I access personal assistance support?
Your local Public Health Nurse (PHN) is the first point of contact. Contact your PHN for an assessment and referral for personal assistance hours. Applications are then considered by HSE Disability Services at interagency meetings held every 6–8 weeks. There is a fixed level of funding, so a waiting list may apply.
How much does the Travel Club cost?
Travel Club membership is €30 per year. Each journey has a small contribution that varies by distance, payable by exact cash or contactless. Travel Club is not a funded service, so members' contributions are essential to keep it running.
Who can join the Travel Club?
Travel Club membership is open to anyone with a disability who needs reliable, wheelchair accessible transport. We cover Cork city and nearby suburbs, with longer journeys arranged on request for appointments, work, day services and social outings.
How do I become a Personal Assistant with Cork CIL?
We're often recruiting part-time Personal Assistants / Healthcare Workers across South Lee — Cork City and suburbs, Douglas, Carrigaline, Bandon, Kinsale and Macroom. You'll usually need a QQI Level 5 Healthcare qualification (or equivalent/in progress), some care experience and Garda vetting. Pay ranges from €16.34 to €21.13 per hour. Apply online through our Work With Us page or email recruitment@corkcil.ie.
What areas does Cork CIL cover?
Our Personal Assistant service supports people in Cork city and the South Lee area. Our Travel Club covers Cork city and nearby suburbs, with longer journeys on request. Our office is on the 1st Floor, Lawley House, Monahan Road, Cork T12 N6PY.
Testimonials
What people say
In their own words.
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Here to help you live independently
Not sure where to start? Get in touch and we'll guide you through your options — no pressure.