Government Announces €1.7 Million For Community Transport Vehicles Nationwide
Government announces €1.7m for 32 community vehicles nationwide supporting meals on wheels, search and rescue, and mobility services in rural areas.
Thirty-two community organisations across Ireland will receive new vehicles to support vital transport services under a €1.7 million government investment announced today.
The 2025 CLÁR programme funding will provide much-needed vehicles for community first responders, search and rescue groups, meals on wheels services, and transport for people accessing cancer care and mobility services.
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary made the announcement today during a visit to St. Dymphna's Special Education School in Ballina, County Mayo.
Minister Dara Calleary 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."
Among the confirmed projects receiving funding are Donegal Mountain Rescue Team, which will receive €83,701 for a 4x4 emergency response vehicle, and Killarney Community Services in Kerry, allocated €93,236 for a 16-seater bus with wheelchair lift.
Other significant allocations include €80,000 for Longford Scuba Divers to purchase a purpose-built search and recovery van, €80,959 for St. Dymphna's Special School in Mayo for a hybrid vehicle supporting inclusive school transport, and €75,938 for the Order of Malta Ambulance Corps Birr-Roscrea in Offaly.
The funding also supports meals on wheels services, with North Tipperary Development Company receiving €27,931 for a meals delivery vehicle, whilst the Irish Wheelchair Association in Westmeath will receive €44,123 for a wheelchair accessible vehicle.
Minister Dara Calleary added:
"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."
The CLÁR programme targets designated rural areas across 22 counties that have experienced significant population decline, providing funding for small-scale capital projects through collaboration between local authorities and community organisations.
Today's announcement covers Measure 2 of the 2025 CLÁR programme, focusing on mobility, cancer care, meals on wheels, and community first responder transport. Further announcements for Measures 1 and 3 will be made later this year.
