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BALLINA, 12 September 2025 — Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has announced €1.7 million in funding for the purchase of 32 vehicles under Measure 2 of the 2025 CLÁR programme. The initiative aims to enhance transport services for individuals with reduced mobility, those accessing cancer care, and key community support groups.
The funding will support vehicles for community first responders, search and rescue teams, and meals on wheels services across rural Ireland. During a visit to St. Dymphna’s Special School in Ballina, Minister Calleary highlighted the importance of these services in promoting independence and ensuring access to essential care.
Projects receiving funding include:
- Donegal Mountain Rescue Team: €83,701 for a 4×4 emergency response vehicle
- Killarney Community Services, Kerry: €93,236 for a wheelchair-accessible 16-seater bus
- Longford Scuba Divers: €80,000 for a search and recovery van
- St. Dymphna’s Special School, Mayo: €80,959 for a hybrid school transport vehicle
- Order of Malta Ambulance Corps, Offaly: €75,938 for a community ambulance
- North Tipperary Development Company: €27,931 for a meals on wheels vehicle
- Irish Wheelchair Association, Westmeath: €44,123 for a wheelchair-accessible vehicle
Minister Calleary praised the dedication of volunteers and service providers, stating, “This investment will make a real difference to people’s lives, particularly in rural communities facing medical and accessibility challenges.”
Further announcements under Measures 1 and 3 of the CLÁR programme are expected later this year.
Minister-Dara-Calleary-Picture-on-Wikimedia-by-Jeff-Meade
