Funding for new mobility vehicles in Louth to support vital services welcomed by local TD

The green light has been given to fund the purchase of a new Community First Responders Transport vehicle for Louth, a Fine Gael Deputy has said.

A total of €1.7 million to deliver 32 vehicles has been announced under the 2025 CLÁR programme today (Friday) by Fine Gael Minister Jerry Buttimer, along with Minister Dara Calleary.

The vehicles will provide much needed support for people with reduced mobility accessing day care, medical and other services, and for people that require transport services to access cancer treatment.

This funding is also supporting the purchase of vital vehicles by community first responders, search and rescue organisations and meals on wheels groups.

Deputy Butterly said: “This is a great boost for The Irish Red cross and its service users in Louth. The work being done by the volunteers and organisers to make life that little bit easier for people must never be under-estimated.

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“Every support must continue to be given to our more vulnerable residents and today’s funding announcement will enable Irish Red Cross to buy a vehicle that is properly kitted out, safe and comfortable for those travelling in it.”

Minister Jerry Buttimer said: “The CLÁR programme is providing funding to support vital services in some of our most rural areas, particularly for those with acute medical and accessibility challenges.

"These services give greater independence to individuals and their families, and empowers them to live fulfilled lives within their communities. Supporting the work that these groups do is a key Fine Gael commitment to rural Ireland and follows on from the great work undertaken in our Department by Heather Humphreys.

“We all know the immense value of these organisations in our communities.

"The volunteers in our community, first responders and search and rescue organisations are those who we turn to in some of the most challenging of circumstances.

"I’m delighted to be able to assist them in the critical services they provide. I’m also pleased that our Department is able to support meals on wheels services that are vital to assist the elderly and vulnerable in their own homes.

“I know this investment of €1.7 million will make a real difference to people’s lives,” he concluded.