Nationally, over €15m is being invested into the sector.
The midlands is in line to benefit from new funding for respite services.
CHO area 8, which includes Laois, Offaly and Westmeath, has been allocated €1.8m in funding.
The national investment totals €15m, which Disability Minister, Anne Rabbitte, says will provide vital respite for children and adults with disabilities.
The funding is an 18% increase on last year's investment, and will result in an expansion in all respite options.
Minister Rabbitte says: "One of my key commitments as Minister has been to bolster the level of respite in all its forms for children and adults with disabilities across the country, and today is the continuation of that with the allocation of €15 million to the HSE to develop respite in all its form."