Meals on Wheels and Day Centres in Carlow eligible to apply for new €25,000 Government grant
The news was welcomed by Carlow TD Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Local Carlow Fianna Fáil TD Jennifer Murnane O'Connor has welcomed that at least three centres in Carlow are eligible to apply for funding for older persons Day Centre and Meals on Wheels Community Care services.
St. Catherine's Community Services, Tullow Day Care Centre and St John's Caring Centre Hacketstown will be eligible to apply. Any other providers not funded by the HSE can apply.
This scheme is being introduced by Fianna Fáil Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly and Fianna Fail Minister for Older People Mary Butler and will be available to support around 400 Section 39 community organisations across the country by providing extra financial support of up to €25,000 per organisation.
The funding is designed to support improvements to the physical premises for Day Centres and Meals on Wheels services. It can be used to upgrade kitchens and other facilities, and to purchase equipment.
Since its establishment, the Meals on Wheels service has been vital to many communities across the country, providing approximately 2.7 million meals last year.
Speaking on the availability of this funding, Deputy Murnane O'Connor said: “I am delighted that so many community organisations are eligible to apply for this funding. This funding can go towards improving many Day Centres who may need upgrades to their facilities and will help these centres cater for the needs of people who avail of their services.
“Older person Day Centres and Meals on Wheels services are such a vital service for so many, and many people rely on it. They offer a safe and welcoming environment where people can access these essential services as well as allowing people to engage in social activities.
“People want to be able to live at home for longer, and that doesn’t always mean care in their home. For people to have access to these Day Centres and essential services, it gives them a sense of purpose, social interaction, and a safe environment to meet friends.
“Fianna Fáil in Government has almost doubled funding for the national Meals on Wheels service from over €3 million in 2022 to over €6 million this year. I would encourage all eligible centres in Carlow to apply for this funding.”