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New bus for Donnycarney’s senior citizens

Thursday, 26 June 2008

ELDERLY persons in a Northside community had reason to celebrate the week before last following the arrival of a new bus at their centre.
Our Lady of Consolation Parish Priest, Fr Peter Finnerty, blessed the new vehicle when it motored down to Donnycarney/ Beaumont Local Care Centre at St John’s Court, Malahide Road.
Members of the local community, who have supported the centre since its inception in the late 1960s, turned out in full force for the Bus Party, showing continued support for the facility that began life in the old Parochial Hall.
Mary Cribbon (90) was honoured as one of the founding members of the Residents’ Association that initiated the concept of a meeting place for older persons and the development of a Home Help Service.
Grace Maguire of Dublin City Council paid tribute to Carmel Grant and Kathleen Spencer who worked tirelessly on the executive management committee. All the clubs that have been developed for older persons in the centre were acknowledged.
Amid a celebratory atmosphere, Billy and Martin had the crowd swinging with their music, while Brid Brennan and her great team of workers and volunteers provided delicious refreshments.
It was clearly evident that the volunteer ethic is still very much alive in the centre and indeed, it would be impossible to run the Meals on Wheels service and a Dining in Service without the fantastic support of all the volunteer drivers and volunteer kitchen assistants/waitresses.
Pat Lane, an administrator from the Health Service Executive (HSE), also attended the event. The HSE also supports the centre and advocates getting elderly persons out of their homes to socialise and thereby improve wellbeing.
The new bus, which has wheelchair access, will be used mainly to bring elderly persons into the centre for meals and activities.
Outings to the Botanic Gardens, the Dáil and the Mansion House are all imminent and trips to many local places of interest are planned.
A number of local public representatives were also in attendance.
Minister for Lifelong Learning, Sean Haughey, said it was always inspiring to meet with people involved in providing and improving services for older people in the community.
“The vast range of activities and services available at St John’s Court is testament to the efforts of all the people involved through the years,” he stated.
“The range of activities offered by the centre will be greatly enhanced by this new bus.”
Minister Haughey said transport was a very important element in terms of quality of life.
“It’s great to see this new bus being provided for our elderly citizens,” he added.
“It will help them to enjoy their lives, allow them to get out and about, make new friendships and give them greater reassurance.”
“Initiatives such as these enhance the quality of people’s lives and deserve our support.”

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