Disability group Enable Ireland plans to spend €100 million over the next three years to upgrade its existing centres and develope new services.
The organisation, which provides services for more than 3,500 people with physical disabilities at 14 centres across the State, today published a four-year strategic plan.
It said it had earmarked €20 million in capital investment for enhancing its existing centres, some of which will be raised through fundraising and from Enable Ireland shop profits.
Plans for upgrading centres in counties Kildare, Cork, Limerick and Wicklow were at an advanced stage, while new training and respite facilities were be planned for counties Clare and Tipperary, it added.
Speaking today, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern acknowledged that "there remained barriers to the full inclusion of people with disabilities, including in relation to employment".
Mr Ahern said: "In total €3.3 billion will be spent on services for people with disabilities during 2006. Apart from health services, very significant funding is being provided for education, employment, physical infrastructure and transport initiatives."
He said: "As a special initiative, the Government will also shortly consider proposals for the allocation of €18 million from the Dormant Accounts Fund for services to people with disabilities".
Mr Ahern said the Government was determined to work closely with organisations like Enable Ireland, to deliver on the potential of the Strategy.
Group chairman Donal Cashman said: "The challenge that faces people with disabilities now is about their inclusion, independence and choice in our society."
"If the legislation ensuring the rights of people with disabilities is not translated into practical action, society will fail people with disabilities and their families utterly."