Happy days as RehabCare receives new set of wheels

It was a happy Monday for staff and service users at Dunboyne RehabCare got to ride on their new 14-seater bus for the first time this week. The centre was faced with a transport crisis last August when both minibuses used by the centre broke down. The specially adapted bus, which was delivered on Monday, will be used by the centre to transport service users to the facility. Deputy Mary Wallace, who was present when the vehicle was delivered, said she was approached in August by the centre who explained the transport crisis it was facing. Deputy Wallace said she contacted the Minister for Health, Mary Harney, and submitted an emergency application for funding due to the critical need to continue the transport service for the clients. “The Minister for Health agreed to provide €35,000, which is the cost of the new bus. There is an additional €20,000 which the HSE said that they would make available to RehabCare for the equipping and fitting out of the bus,†she said. She said: “Today is a great day for the staff of Rehab Dunboyne and for the many clients and their families throughout County Meath who will continue to have access to the centre and the range of programmes that it provides. The new 14-seater bus has been specifically adapted to the needs of those attending the resource centre which will assist in strengthening and supporting the already excellent service being provided to the people within our community by the wonderful and dedicated staff in RehabCare Dunboyne.†The Fianna Fail TD thanked the officials in the Department of Health and to the minister for the speed with which they dealt with the application and for their co-operation in resolving the transport crisis. RehabCare Dunboyne provides supports and services to over 40 people with physical and sensory disabilities, including many affected by neurological conditions, including acquired brain injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and motor neurone disease. Cookery, yoga, computers, drama and physiotherapy are just some of the programmes available, all of which are designed to promote independence and enhance the daily living skills of those who attend the centre. Cllr Noel Leonard, who also attended this week's event in RehabCare, expressed his delight with the speed with which the 14-seater bus was provided.