Kildare town gets free car service for elderly and infirm
Mary Minogue Enterprise Support Worker, CKLP, Vicky Behan Receptionist Community Car, Daniel Ralston Sales Manager GoCar Ireland, Peggy O’Dwyer, Mayor Of Kildare, Grainne Cassidy, Assistant Principal Officer – Employment Programmes and Incentives, Department of Social Protection, Joe Quirke, Head of GoCar Ireland, Paula O’Rourke, Climate Action Co-Ordinator, Kildare County Council, Karl Duffy, CEO, County Kildare Leader Partnership, Terri Devlin Kildare County Council, Christopher Morrison CE Supervisor CKLP, and Karen Heavy Health Promotion & Improvement/Health & Wellbeing Manager, HSE.
Kildare Leader has launched a ‘Community Car’ service from its Kildare County Development Centre on Meadow Road, Kildare Town as a free taxi for the elderly and infirm.
This innovative initiative, in partnership with GoCar, will provide vital transportation support to individuals facing mobility challenges across the county.
The Community Car will initially serve residents within a 10 km radius of Kildare Town, with plans to expand countywide in the coming months.
The service is designed to assist individuals who need transportation to hospital and healthcare appointments, as well as community and social events.
Booking a ride is simple—just call the dedicated phone line at 086-8183459 and speak with Vicky, our receptionist, who will arrange the journey.
Volunteer drivers will then ensure a safe and comfortable door-to-door experience.
For many people, particularly those living in rural areas or experiencing reduced mobility, accessing essential services, attending appointments, and staying socially connected can be a challenge.
The Community Car service aims to bridge this gap by offering a convenient and accessible transport solution.
Paula O’Rourke, Climate Action Team Coordinator at Kildare County Council, noted: “This initiative aligns with our commitment to sustainable and inclusive transport solutions, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the lives of people across Kildare”.
Karen Heavey, Health Promotion Officer from the HSE, emphasized the impact of the service: “This initiative supports older people in accessing essential health appointments in and around Kildare Town and surrounding areas. It is an innovative and thoughtful service that promotes well-being, and social engagement, and helps combat loneliness.”
