I have received confirmation that Clarecastle Daycare Centre will receive funding towards the cost of a new mini-bus. In recent weeks I had liaised with the Department of Health and Minister James Reilly in relation to the issue, and today received confirmation that funding would be provided.

I was glad to make a case for the funding of a new specially adapted mini bus for Clarecastle Daycare Centre. The centre does excellent work at a local level in caring for the needs of many older people in our community.

This funding is needed to ensure that those in the local community who use the centre can be transported there in a comfortable and appropriate way.

I am delighted to say that the secretary for the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly, has responded today with the good news that funding has now been approved for €25,000 towards the cost of a mini bus.

This funding will come from the Health portion of the National Lottery Fund. Out of an available fund of €3 million, there was €22 million worth of funding applied for with a total of 551 applications. In light of this, I’m delighted that the Clarecastle Daycare Centre was not left behind and this significant funding has been allocated . I wish Clarecastle Daycare Centre all the very best in the purchase and operation of their new mini bus and hope it will allow for many residents of the community to benefit from interaction with the Daycare’s excellent services for years to come.