Local Meals and Wheels receive vehicle funding
Minister Peter Burke today (Friday, September 13) warmly welcomed the announcement from Minister for Rural Development, Heather Humphreys TD that two projects in the Athlone and Kilbeggan areas are to receive funding for vehicles to support the Meals on Wheels services in their local areas.
“Athlone Meals on Wheels is to receive €22,796 and South Westmeath Employment Education Training Services, (SWEETS), have been awarded €16,790,” commented Minister Burke.
“I know well the great work the Meals on Wheels services provide to local communities and the benefit the nutritious meals as well as the friendly interaction can have on those who are in need.
“This funding will assist on the transport issues that these charities can face and will improve and assist their services to all who need it.
“We as a Government are committed to helping our rural communities and this financial injection will, I hope, relieve some of the financial burden on the charities who do so much to raise funds locally.
Well done to the committees who make it all happen and particularly the volunteer drivers who give so generously of their time,” concluded Minister Burke.
In addition, three Roscommon projects were granted over €100,000 in funding for vehicles.
These were: Roscommon Leader Partnership/Mo Chairde, €27,068 for a Meals on Wheels delivery vehicle; and Ballaghaderreen Social Services, €52,627 for a 17 seater minibus and Enable Ireland €26,867 for mobility/cancer care services.
Overall, Minister Humphreys announced €2,100,768 under Measure 2 of the CLÁR Programme, supporting the purchase of a record 48 vehicles in rural communities.
Announcing the successful projects, Minister Humphreys said: “Each of the recipients of funding today plays a vital role in providing essential services to those who are most in need in our communities, be it from a mobility aspect or through the provision of meals on wheels services.
“The supports provided by our First Responders and our Search and Rescue teams are of immense importance and I am delighted to be in a position to support these very worthy community groups today. We owe a great deal to these organisations and to all the individuals who volunteer with them.”
The Minister continued: “This year I have approved the purchase of 48 vehicles for organisations right across the country under Measure 2 of the CLÁR programme.
“This is the highest number of vehicles ever funded through the programme and the announcement today brings the number of vehicles delivered under this measure to over 200 since it was introduced in 2018, with associated funding of over €10 million.”
The 2024 CLÁR Programme was launched on April 12 and included the following measures: Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities and Amenities; Measure 2: Mobility, Cancer Care, Meals on Wheels and Community First Responders Transport; and Measure 3: Our Islands
Details of the successful projects under Measure 2 can also be found here.
Successful applications under Measures 1 and 3 of CLÁR 2023 will be announced at a later date.