Clare Organisations Receive EUR21k Under Scheme Of Community Support For Older People

The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs announced that it has allocated EUR21,080 and EUR300 to Kilrush Family Resource Centre Ltd and Cratloe Community Council respectively.

Welcoming the funding announcement, Minister of State and Clare T.D., Mr. Tony Killeen said, "I am very aware of the hardships that older people can face and, therefore, welcome any initiatives that improve confidence, security and comfort levels among older people in our society allowing them to continue to live independently."

The Minister of State explained that the scheme of Community Supports for Older People provided funding for initiatives to improve the security and social support of older individuals by means of a community-based grant scheme. He stated that the scheme was of particular benefit to elderly people as we approached the winter months.

"The security devices that Kilrush Family Resource Centre Ltd and Cratloe Community Council can now benefit from under this scheme include the once-off cost of installing socially monitored alarm systems, smoke alarms, security lighting, door chains designed to strengthen points of entry to dwellings, and window and door locks. Interior emergency lighting is also available to qualifying older people living on our off shore islands", added Minister Killeen.

"During the last twelve months numerous other local groups have benefited from funding under the under the scheme of Community Supports for Older People, including Ballynacally Community Alert, Meelick Parteen Coonagh Senior Citizens, Caring for Carers Clare, Kilmaley District Day Care Centre and the Shannonside Carers Group", concluded Minister Killeen.

The scheme for Community Supports of Older People is administered by local community and voluntary groups and funded by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

EUR2.7 million has been provided to date in 2008 for locally based organisations working with or providing support to vulnerable older people throughout the country.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- For further information please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- High-resolution images of Minister Killeen are available on request

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900