Government announce €1.3 million for mobility and cancer care transport services in rural Ireland 26 projects to benefit under CLÁR programme

by | Dec 15, 2020 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

Press Release | 10th December 2020

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys today announced almost €1.3 million to fund vehicles for 26 community-based organisations.

The vehicles will be used to provide essential transport services for people with mobility issues.

The funding is provided under the Mobility and Cancer Care Transport Measure of the CLÁR programme.

It will support voluntary organisations that provide, free of charge:

− transport to and from daycare, 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.

Examples of some of the organisations awarded funding today include:

• Ability West, Clifden, Co. Galway (€54,000)
• Order of Malta, Co. Laois (€50,000)
• Castleisland Day Care, Co. Kerry (€71,540)
• St. Coleman’s Care Centre, Achill, Co Mayo (€65,000)
• Irish Wheelchair Association, Co. Cavan (€39,626)

Announcing details of the funding, Minister Humphreys said:

I am delighted to continue my Department’s support under the CLÁR programme for voluntary organisations that provide transport services to some of the most vulnerable people in our society. This funding, which I have increased by over 40 per cent compared to last year, will provide suitable vehicles that will enable people living in designated rural areas to access vital treatment and medical services. The organisations receiving support under the scheme provide invaluable services in their communities and I am pleased to be able to support their efforts.”

Minister Humphreys added:

One of the strategic objectives of Project Ireland 2040 is to strengthen rural economies and communities. The CLÁR programme is helping to improve the quality of life in rural communities and is an important part of my Department’s integrated investment in rural development.”

Today’s announcement is in addition to funding of €4.5 million for 160 projects which announced in November under CLÁR for school and community safety measures, community recreation areas, and Meals on Wheels services.