THE eligibility of up to 30 centres across Limerick to apply for funding for older persons’ day centres and Meals on Wheels community care services was welcomed by local TD Willie O’Dea.
Since its establishment, the Meals on Wheels service has been vital to communities across the country, providing approximately 2.7 million meals last year.
Now, the scheme will be available to support around 400 Section 39 community organisations across Ireland by providing additional financial support of up to €25,000 per organisation.
The funding is designed to support improvements to physical premises for day centres and Meals on Wheels services, and can be used to upgrade kitchens and other facilities or to purchase equipment.
Deputy O’Dea said the funding “can go towards improving many day centres who may need upgrades to their facilities and will help these centres cater for the needs of people who avail of their services”.
Older persons’ day centres and Meals on Wheels services, Deputy O’Dea continued, are vital in the community because they offer a safe environment where people can access the support they need.
“For people to have access to these day centres and essential services, it gives them a sense of purpose, social interaction, and a safe environment to meet friends,” he said.
The Limerick TD stated that “Fianna Fáil in government have almost doubled funding for the national Meals on Wheels service from over €3million in 2022 to over €6million this year. I would encourage all eligible centres in Limerick to apply for this funding.”
