The new bus was made possible thanks to funds raised by customers who support the Enable Ireland garden centre and gift shop in Sandymount.
Roughly 23 adults with disabilities attend Enable Ireland in Sandyford, and this new mode of transportation will be essential for many of the users to get to and from their services.
The minibus will also be used as a more convenient way for service users to access local sports clubs, and to participate in day trips in the community.
The new purpose-built minibus will replace one that was over a decade old and had become unfit for purpose.
Brian and Padhraic who attend Enable Ireland Sandyford Services, along with Service Co-Ordinator Aoife Doyle, receiving the keys to the new bus from Chris O’Donnell
“Accessing public transport can be difficult for the adults who attend our services, especially when the weather is poor,” Frankie Barrett, Enable Ireland Director of Services for Dublin Southeast and Wicklow, said.
“We rely on a minibus to provide a more accessible mode of transport, and many miles were racked up on our old bus.
“In the last year, it has spent more time in the garage getting fixed than out on the road.
“We are hugely grateful to everyone who makes purchases in our Garden Centre, you’ve made it possible for us to get a brand-new minibus.
“This will enable our service owners to continue playing tennis at Fitzwilliam Tennis Club and swimming at our hydrotherapy pool in Sandymount.
“We also arrange frequent day trips which we can now continue to provide thanks to you.
“These trips empower adults who attend our services to achieve personal goals and improve their quality of life.
“Past trips have included visiting Mondello Park, the Explorium and our allotment in Shanganagh,” he added.
Enable Ireland’s Garden and Gift Store, on Sandymount Avenue, is easily accessible from the Dart station and around the corner from Sandymount Village.
One hundred percent of profits support Enable Ireland’s vital disability services benefiting children and adults across Dublin.
New minibus is an early Christmas present for Brian, Padhraic and other adults who attend Enable Ireland’s services in Sandyford
Enable Ireland has fourteen centres in Dublin, including in Dun Laoghaire, Ballyboden, Crumlin, Leopardstown, Tymon, Sandymount, and Rialto.
Founded in 1948, Enable Ireland provides services to 13,000 children and adults with disabilities. Its services cover all aspects of a child’s physical, educational, and social development.
Enable Ireland also offers a range of services to adults with disabilities which include day care training, personal development, supported and independent living, and social and leisure activities.
