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Extra Covid funding for three groups and a new ambulance for the Order of Malta in Laois

Youth, Heritage and Homelessness organisations in Laois are to receive additional money from the Covid Stability fund.

The Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien, announced the distribution of the additional €10 million funding allocated to the COVID-19 Stability Fund for Community and Voluntary Organisations, Charities and Social Enterprises.

Laois Youth Services will receive a top-up of €15,993 in addition to their earlier allocation of €35,343 bringing the total to €51,336.

Portlaoise Action To Homelessness (PATH) will receive a top-up of €5,208 in addition to their earlier allocation of €11,510 bringing their total to €16,718.

Abbeyleix Heritage Company will receive a top-up of €3,299 in addition to their earlier allocation of €7,290 bringing their total to €10,589.

Welcoming the news, Minister of State Pippa Hackett said: “Community and voluntary organisations are doing great work in Laois, as are charities and social enterprises.

“Their work has never been more important so I’m glad to see that extra funding is being allocated to three organisations.”

Meanwhile, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys also announced almost €1.3 million to fund vehicles for 26 community-based organisations.

A €50,000 grant for a brand new ambulance for the Order of Malta in Laois is among the allocations.

The vehicles will be used to provide essential transport services for people with mobility issues.

The funding is provided under the Mobility and Cancer Care Transport Measure of the CLÁR programme.

It will support voluntary organisations that provide, free of charge:

Transport to and from day care, or other medical therapy and respite services, and/or;

Transport to or from designated cancer treatment hospitals and centres under the National Cancer Care Programme.

Announcing details of the funding, Minister Humphreys said: “I am delighted to continue my Department’s support under the CLÁR programme for voluntary organisations that provide transport services to some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“This funding, which I have increased by over 40 per cent compared to last year, will provide suitable vehicles that will enable people living in designated rural areas to access vital treatment and medical services.

“The organisations receiving support under the scheme provide invaluable services in their communities and I am pleased to be able to support their efforts.”

SEE ALSO – Laois primary school announce closure until after Christmas due to Covid-19 cases