Three Galway organisations have been successful in securing funding under the CLÁR programme, Minister Heather Humphreys has announced this afternoon.
Ballinasloe Social Services, Brothers of Charity and Ability West will receive €154,000 between them for essential vehicles.
The three Galway organisations are among 26 successful applicants which will get a share of the total funding package of €1.3 million for essential transport services for people with mobility issues.
It supports voluntary organisations that provide, free of charge and includes transport to and from day care, or other medical therapy and respite services, and/or transport to or from designated cancer treatment hospitals and centres under the National Cancer Care Programme.
Ability West will receive funding of €54,000 and Brothers of Charity will receive €40,406, while Ballinasloe Social Services was awarded €59,400.
Welcoming the funding, Senator Aisling Dolan said that it means people in rural areas will have more equal access to services such as Meals on Wheels, Day-Care and transport for medical/cancer treatments.
“It will tackle the very real problem of rural isolation particularly for older members of our community,” said the Fine Gael senator.
“I had the opportunity to work closely with Teresa Coghlan, Manager of Ballinasloe Social Services and to provide letters of support for this application.
“This large mini-bus with lift means that the Social Services will be able to deliver meals on wheels all over the Ballinasloe area and more areas will be able to access day services when they re-open in safer times.”
Senator Dolan said that Ballinasloe Social Services provides a fantastic community service and the funding will make a huge contribution to the local community.
“I have seen first-hand the amazing community services that Teresa and her team of over 40 volunteers as well as the excellent Board of Management give to the people of the Ballinasloe area,” she said.
“Last year I had the honour to meet people who come to the Day Services and hear songs and music as well as meeting expert card-players!
“Volunteer bus drivers brought people from Kellysgrove, Clontuskert, Lawrencetown, Kilconnell in the East Galway area as well as Moore, Ballydangan, Taughmaconnell, Castlesampson in South Roscommon.
“I know the challenges as well in terms of not having the resources to provide a service to the likes of Ahascragh last year.
“Now Ballinasloe Social Services will have a new minibus and it will allow more people to access Day Services to meet friends and participate in activities as well as give respite to families and carers when the Centre opens again.
“Thank you again to Teresa for her efforts in winning this investment, to the Committee and Chairperson Regina Power for their continued guidance and support and to the great team of volunteers for all the care and joy they bring to people all around Ballinasloe.”
