Clontarf Community Centre’s new arrival

Padraig Conlon 19 Apr 2021
Igors Jefimovs from Irish Wheelchair Association’s Clontarf Community Centre and Sinead Christian, Head of Fundraising at Irish Wheelchair Association pictured with a new accessible bus thanks to Progressive Union.

The Irish Wheelchair Association is celebrating the arrival of a brand-new accessible bus for members at its Clontarf Community Centre.  

The bus was purchased with significant local support from Progressive Credit Union

Irish Wheelchair Association members are delighted with the news, as many people rely on their accessible buses on a weekly basis. 

The organisation’s Clontarf Community Centre caters for up to 120 people with physical disabilities each week, providing recreational and educational programmes.

These programmes would not be accessible for many without the buses that transport people to and from the centre each day. 

During the Covid pandemic, these services are being provided through outreach to people’s homes to ensure nobody is left isolated or alone. The buses and bus drivers remain a central part of keeping people connected.

 According to Rosemary Keogh, CEO of the Irish Wheelchair Association: 

“Our new Progressive Union accessible bus is great news for members of our Clontarf Community Centre. 

“Many of our members couldn’t get to the centre without the Irish Wheelchair Association buses.

“We have social and educational programmes designed to support people with disabilities who are living at home in the community.

“Members love and need their time with us, but this wouldn’t be possible for so many without our bus coming to collect them and dropping them home again.

“This is why the Progressive Union bus is so warmly welcomed by our members. 

“It is a critical part of their day and of their week.  

 Transport is a key issue for people with physical disabilities as Ireland does not have a fully accessible public transport system or taxi service.

“This is why Irish Wheelchair Association’s nationwide fleet of accessible buses is vital to many Irish communities, providing door-to-door transport for people with disabilities who might otherwise be confined to their homes. 

 The new Progressive Union accessible bus has been specifically adapted to meet the needs and requirements of people with physical disabilities.

“It is a critical resource that enables Irish Wheelchair Association members to participate in our wide range of services and supports.

 Our Clontarf centre is a vital part of the community and we are delighted to have the support of Progressive Credit Union, which is another cornerstone of community life here in north Dublin.

“Together we are providing opportunities for people with disabilities in our community and we are extremely grateful for their support.” said Rosemary Keogh.

 According to Brian Howard of Progressive Credit Union: 

“We are proud to support the Irish Wheelchair Association and the essential services they offer from their base in Clontarf.

“We are delighted that our support and donation towards the bus will be a welcomed addition to the association and the many people they serve daily.

“Now more than ever, services and social outlets are crucial to so many people, and we are proud to support these services.

“We take this opportunity to congratulate Irish Wheelchair Assocation on their fantastic work in many local communities and wish them all the best for the future.”

 

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