Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed funding of €41,984 for Ability West in Mountbellew towards a new bus to provide mobility transport.

The funding is part of a €2.5 million national allocation announced under Measure 2 of the 2026 CLÁR programme, which will provide 44 vehicles for community and voluntary organisations across the country.

The funding will help these organisations continue to provide much-needed services for people with reduced mobility, including access to day care and vital therapeutic treatments, as well as helping people attending clinics to access cancer treatment. It will also support vehicles for community first responders, search and rescue organisations and groups providing meals on wheels.

Minister Canney said the Mountbellew allocation would provide practical support for Ability West and the people who rely on its services.

“This €41,984 investment will help Ability West provide a new bus for mobility transport in Mountbellew, supporting people to access the services and activities that are important to their daily lives.

“Reliable and accessible transport can make an enormous difference, particularly in rural communities.

Minister Canney also welcomed funding for three further Galway projects, bringing the total allocation for County Galway to €272,471.

The Galway funding will support mobility transport services in Mountbellew, Furbo to Lettermore and Leitir Mealláin, as well as a first responder vehicle for Galway Sub Aqua Club.

The funding has been allocated under Measure 2 – Mobility, Cancer Care, First Responder and Meals on Wheels Transport of the 2026 CLÁR programme. Further announcements under Measures 1 and 3 of the 2026 CLÁR programme are expected later this year.

Galway allocations

Four Galway projects have been approved for a combined €272,471 under CLÁR 2026 Measure 2:

  • Ability West, Mountbellew – €41,984 for a bus for mobility transport.
  • Cois Cladaigh Day Service, Furbo to Lettermore – €99,666 for a bus for mobility transport.
  • Comhar Chuigéal Teoranta, Leitir Mealláin – €57,444 for a bus for mobility transport.
  • Galway Sub Aqua Club, Galway – €73,377 for a jeep for first responder services.