Enable Ireland adult services in Little Island, Cork, today celebrated the arrival of their brand new adapted bus.
Kelly Hennessy Midleton, Olivia Wilkinson Adult Services manager, Olivia Marshall Douglas and Jenny Guard Togher. Images by Gerard McCarthy.
Kevin English from Glanmire, Nicky Byrne Glounthane and Olivia Wilkinson Adult Services manager.Images by Gerard McCarthy 087 8537228
The bus was bought using much needed funds which were raised by service users, their families, local companies and communities who supported the ‘A Bus For Us’ fundraising campaign.
The vehicle has been specially adapted to include a wheelchair lift to the rear and a side step to assist in passengers getting in and out.
It can fit two wheelchairs and two ambulant people in the rear with a driver and front passenger also.
When this campaign launched in 2019, the charity had ten buses with some over ten years old with annual maintenance costs increasing every year. Despite the impact of Covid-19, the campaign raised over €75,000 and, as a result, Enable Ireland will be able to purchase not just one but two new vehicles. In addition to the brand new bus, the organisation also plans to purchase a second-hand adapted vehicle for use by adult services.
Speaking at the event Olivia Wilkinson, Enable Ireland Adult Services Manager Cork said:
“Having accessible transport is absolutely vital to our service in Cork. It means we can support adult service owners to get out into their communities and fully participate in life. We are delighted to have not just one but two new vehicles that we can use as part of our service. On behalf of the staff and all the services owners, we’d like to thank everyone who supported and contributed to this fundraising effort. It is very much appreciated.”
