Minibus is an early Christmas present for Sandyford Disability Services

A new purpose-built minibus will provide adults who attend Sandyford Disability Services with easier access to their local community.

The purchase of the new bus was made possible thanks to funds raised by customers who support the Enable Ireland Garden Centre and Gift Shop in Sandymount.

Approximately 23 adults with disabilities attend Enable Ireland Adult Services in Sandyford.

Brian Murphy, Sandyford Services

The bus is an essential means of transportation for many of these adults to get to and from their services.

It also provides a more convenient way for those who avail of the services to access their local sports clubs or participate in day trips out in the community.

Sandyford Services’ prior minibus was over a decade old and had become unfit for purpose.

However, thanks to customers of the Enable Ireland Garden Centre and Gift Shop in Sandymount, Sandyford Adult Services has received a brand-new minibus just in time for Christmas.

Frankie Barrett, Enable Ireland Director of Services for Dublin Southeast and Wicklow, said:

“Accessing public transport can be difficult for the adults who attend our services, especially when the weather is poor.

“We rely on a minibus to provide a more accessible mode of transport.  Many miles were racked up on our old minibus.

“In the last year, it has spent more time in the garage getting fixed than out on the road.

“We are hugely grateful to everyone who makes purchases in our Garden Centre.

“You’ve made it possible for us to get a brand-new minibus.

“This will enable our service owners to continue playing Tennis at Fitzwilliam Tennis Club and swimming at our hydrotherapy pool in Sandymount.

“We also arrange frequent day trips which we can now continue to provide thanks to you.

“These trips empower adults who attend our services to achieve personal goals and improve their quality of life. Past trips have included visiting Mondello Park, the Explorium and our allotment in Shanganagh.”

Enable Ireland’s Garden and Gift Store is on Sandymount Avenue, just a few minutes walk from the DART and around the corner from Sandymount Village.

They stock everything you need for your garden or patio. One hundred per cent of profits support Enable Irelands’ vital disability services benefiting children and adults across Dublin.

Enable Ireland has fourteen centres in Dublin, including in Dun Laoghaire, Ballyboden, Crumlin, Leopardstown, Tymon, Sandymount, and Rialto.

Visit www.enableireland.ie for further information.