New Adapted Bus For Enable Ireland Adult Services in Little Island, Cork

‘A Bus For Us’ Fundraising Campaign Successfully Funds Two Vehicles

Staff and service owners at Enable Ireland adult services in Little Island Cork joined together to celebrate the arrival of their brand new bus. The charity was able to purchase the much needed bus thanks to the incredible fundraising efforts of service owners and their families and the generous support of local companies and individuals who got behind the  ‘A Bus For Us’ fundraising campaign. The new bus 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.

People with disabilities rely heavily on transport for independence and accessibility. 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.”

Along with Adult Day Services in Little Island, Enable Ireland has a residential house in Blackrock, Cork, a respite house in Ladysbridge and a hub in Carrigaline, Co. Cork.