Volunteer drivers are currently being sought for an essential new community bus service in north Donegal.
The Swilly-Mulroy Mobility Bus is a significant addition to local community transport services, thanks to the joint efforts of Milford & District Resource Centre (MDRC) and Mevagh Family Resource Centre (Mevagh FRC), Downings.
This state-of-the-art vehicle is designed to provide safe, reliable, and accessible transportation for individuals with disabilities and mobility challenges.
The brand new Renault is equipped with the latest accessibility features, including a
wheelchair lift and spacious seating. This bus will enable MDRC and Mevagh FRC to expand their services, ensuring that more individuals can access essential resources, healthcare, and social activities with ease and comfort.
“We are incredibly excited to introduce the Swilly Mulroy Mobility Bus to our community services,” said Declan Meehan, Manager at MDRC.
“This new vehicle represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide inclusive and accessible transportation for all members of our community. It has been a long road to this point, almost five years of campaigning and lobbying for funding, resulting in a successful bid to secure major funding back in 2022, and now – finally – the delivery of the vehicle itself.”
The acquisition of the bus was made possible through CLÁR funding, under
The Department of Rural and Community Development.
Gráinne Shields is the manager of the Mevagh Family Resource Centre.
“MDRC and Mevagh FRC extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in this project, whose dedication and support have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life,” she said.
“We deeply appreciate the support from our funding partners and the community, which has made this achievement possible.”
To celebrate the arrival of the new bus, both organisations will hold local launch events. Mevagh FRC will launch the bus at their annual Festive Tea event from 10:30am to 1:00pm on December 6th at Mevagh Family Resource Centre, Downings. This year all proceeds from this fundraiser will go to the local Mevagh PADGROUP, to assist in their efforts to provide accessible defibrillators in the local community.
MDRC will be hosting a launch event on Sunday 15th December at The Gallowglass Community Centre from 2pm-4pm. Everyone is invited to join them at The Gallowglass for a Festive coffee afternoon, tours of the new bus, and refreshments will be available all while raising funds for The Mulroy Coast Guard and The Gallowglass Community Centre. These events will provide an opportunity for the community to see firsthand the benefits that the Swilly Mulroy Mobility Bus will bring.
MDRC and Mevagh FRC are also calling for volunteer bus drivers to join their team. All you need is a standard Category B licence. Full training will be provided, and Garda vetting will be organised. If interested, please contact Kirsty in MDRC on kirsty@mdrc.ie to get involved, or call 0749153736.
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