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Minister to unveil wheelchair accessible vehicle for Alzheimer's Trust

MINISTER Michael Ring will officially unveil a new wheelchair accessible vehicle for Foxford and District Alzheimer’s Trust at an event at the Michael Davitt Museum in Straide this afternoon (Friday, 2 p.m.).

At the event the minister will also announce a once off funding allocation for the museum.

Speaking ahead of the unveiling of the wheelchair accessible bus, Minister Ring said: “This bus will help many people to access the services of the Foxford and District Alzheimer’s Trust for many years to come.

The new bus service will allow an increased rate of access to those looking to avail of the daycare service but who are currently unable to do so due to the lack of transport.

The bus has been purchased following an allocation of €37,000 under my department’s CLAR programme last October. Five other community care organisations in Mayo also received funding for vehicles last year.

I have been informed that the bus service will initially operate on Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays. On the days that the daycare is non-operational the bus will be used to support people living with dementia to avail of appointments and to support those living with dementia to remain active and visible within their community.”

In total, almost €800,000 was allocated to communities in Mayo last year under the CLÁR Programme covering a variety of investments including playgrounds, safety measures at schools and equipment for GP’s volunteering for the Irish Community Rapid Response.