Approval for €290,000 to help transport Mayo people for medical services
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THE Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, has today announced that he has allocated €290,887.50 in funding to six community care organisations in Mayo which provide Mobility and Cancer Care transport to individuals in the community.
The funding has been allocated under Measure 3(b) of the Department of Rural and Community Development’s CLÁR programme and will support voluntary organisations that provide:
* Transport to/from designated cancer treatment hospitals/centres under the National Cancer Care Programme and/or
* Transport for people with significant mobility issues, including those requiring specialised wheelchair accessible vehicles, to day-care or other medical, therapeutic or respite services.
Announcing the details of the successful applicants, Minister Ring said: “I am delighted to announce this funding, through the CLÁR programme, to support these voluntary organisations here in Mayo that provide transport services to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
The Minister continued: “The difference which the provision of these vehicles will make to the lives of families in remote rural areas who have to attend day care or medical services is incalculable. Having access to a wheelchair accessible vehicle in your area can mean the difference between being able to avail of day care, respite and other services, or being confined to home. It’s as simple as that.”
“For example, last year under the same CLÁR fund, I allocated funding to Cancer Care West for a new bus to transport people who are receiving to University Hospital Galway for cancer treatment. Since February of this year that bus has been running from Belmullet, passing through a number of Mayo towns en route to the hospital to bring people for treatment and return them home. It has made a considerable difference for these patients and their families.
“I know that the organisations in receipt of the funding being announced today will put this money to good use and to the benefit of people in their communities.”
Minister Ring concluded: “The provision of this funding is another demonstration of the Government’s commitment to supporting rural communities. I am delighted to be able to support voluntary groups who provide transport to our sick and vulnerable citizens in order to enable them to access treatment and services.”
The following organisations in Mayo have been approved for funding:
