Press release
Minister Ring approves €890,632 to support transport of people in rural Ireland to medical services
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
Mr Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development , today, announced that 20 voluntary community organisations will receive funding for Mobility and Cancer Care Transport under his Department’s 2019 CLÁR programme.
The funding is for the provision of vehicles to provide transport for people in rural areas with mobility issues. It will support voluntary organisations that provide:
“I am delighted to announce further funding this year to support voluntary organisations that provide transport services to some of the most vulnerable people in our society. This funding, through my Department’s CLÁR programme, will provide vehicles that will enable people living in rural areas to travel to medical care or respite centres free of charge.”
The Scheme supports the purchasing and/or fit out of vehicles to transport people for medical services. It allows for allocations of up to a maximum of €50,000 for a wheelchair accessible vehicle or €100,000 for a bus.
“The provision of this funding is another demonstration of the Government’s commitment to supporting rural communities. I am proud 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.”
“Over the past year, I have seen the difference that the provision of these vehicles makes to the lives of people living in CLÁR areas who have to attend day care or medical services, and their families, and I wanted to continue that support this year.”
“One of the strategic objectives of the Government’s Project Ireland 2040 strategy 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 the Government’s integrated strategy for rural development which will also be supported through the new Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. This Fund will provide an additional €1 billion to be invested directly into rural communities by my Department up to 2027.”
ENDS
Note to editors :
CLÁR provides funding for small scale capital projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of depopulation. The programme forms part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development which was launched in January 2017. The CLÁR programme is also an important part of the overall integrated strategy to support stronger rural economies and communities for Rural Development through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund as outlined in Project Ireland 2040.
Areas targeted under the CLÁR Programme are parts of counties Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath, Wicklow and all of County Leitrim.
Organisations approved for funding under Mobility and Cancer Care transport measure are available here