Mullingar IWA ‘extremely grateful’ to receive ClÁR funding for new bus
Some €45,000 has been provided to the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) in Mullingar for the purchase of a wheelchair accessible vehicle.
The grant (actual amount, €44,123) is part of the €1.7 million for 32 community vehicles under the CLÁR programme Minister Calleary announced on Friday.
Mullingar IWA service coordinator Jaime McDarby said: “This will have such a positive impact on our members, ensuring they can continue to travel safely, attend the centre, and enjoy outings in the community.
“We especially want to thank Minister Peter Burke, and Minister Robert Troy for their incredible support and advocacy on our behalf. The whole team here at IWA Mullingar are excited and look forward to welcoming the new vehicle in the coming months.”
The vehicles are for community first responders, search and rescue groups, and meals on wheels services, and support vehicles to assist people with reduced mobility and those accessing cancer care services.
Minister Calleary, who has responsibility for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, was at St Dymphna’s Special Education School in Ballina, last Friday, 12 September, when he announced the news.
He said: “The CLÁR programme is providing funding to support vital services in some of our most rural areas, particularly for those with acute medical and accessibility challenges. These services give greater independence to individuals and their families, and empowers them to live fulfilled lives within their communities.
“We all know the immense value of these organisations in our communities. The volunteers in our community, first responders and search and rescue organisations are those who we turn to in some of the most challenging of circumstances. I’m delighted to be able to assist them in the critical services they provide. I’m also pleased to be able to support meals on wheels services that are vital to assist the elderly and vulnerable in their own homes.”
Minister of State Robert Troy, TD, welcomed the confirmation from his colleague that the funding has been made available to the IWA in Mullingar. “I know from engaging with the local branch that they’re in urgent need to update and replace an existing vehicle that’s given a lot of trouble. It’s important that they have access to vehicles to ensure that their service users can get in and out to the service reliably.
“And I know they very much welcome this, the confirmation this morning of the funding that has become available. I’m always happy to help and assist the wheelchair association in the work they do and compliment them for the work that they do and for putting forward such a comprehensive application.”
Minister Troy had hosted Minister Calleary in Mullingar during the summer for a meeting and to discuss funding applications that had been submitted by local groups to his department and the IWA’s was one of the items on the agenda.
“I very much welcome the positive news,” said Minister Troy.
In a statement, the IWA said its buses are more than just transport, they’re a lifeline to independence. With 134 accessible buses operating nationwide, IWA ensures that people with physical disabilities can attend vital services, take part in social events, and stay connected with their communities. These specially adapted vehicles, and their dedicated drivers, break down barriers of isolation. For many of members, without IWA buses, participating in daily life outside the home wouldn’t be possible. However, maintaining this vital service is a challenge. Buses face wear and tear and require regular maintenance to ensure safety and comfort. Moreover, as the fleet, ages, the need to replace older buses with modern, accessible vehicles become critical.