€220,000 for care groups to transport people for medical services

FUNDING - €223,579.50 - has been allocated to six community care organisations in Mayo which provide mobility and cancer care transport to individuals in the community.

Minister Michael Ring made the announcement today during an event at Western Care in Castlebar.

The funding has been allocated under the CLÁR programme and will support voluntary organisations that provide transport to/from designated cancer treatment hospitals/centres under the National Cancer Care Programme and/or transport for people with significant mobility issues, including those requiring specialised wheelchair accessible vehicles, to day-care or other medical, therapeutic or respite services.

The allocations are as follows:

Western Care Association (Ballina - serving Lacken, Swinford, Attymass and more), Qashqai car, €10,000.

Western Care Association (Castlebar - serving Kiltimagh, Balla, Mayo Abbey, Ballinrobe), Renault Master 165BHP Comfort model/air conditioning €68,000.

Foxford & District Alzheimers Trust, wheelchair accessible vehicle, €37,578.50.

Irish Wheelchair Association, purchase and fit out of new accessible vehicle, €31,773.

Irish Wheelchair Association, Belmullet, wheelchair accessible bus, €32,878.

Western Care Association, Belmullet Day Service, wheelchair accessible vehicle, €43,350.

Announcing details of the successful applicants, Minister Ring said: “I am delighted to announce this funding, through the CLÁR programme, to support voluntary organisations that provide transport services to some of the most vulnerable people in our society. This funding will provide vehicles that will enable people living in rural areas to travel to medical care or respite centres free of charge.

“The difference which the provision of these vehicles will make to the lives of families in remote rural areas who have to attend day care or medical services is incalculable. Having access to a wheelchair accessible vehicle in your area can mean the difference between being able to avail of day care, respite and other services, or being confined to home. It’s as simple as that.”