Single Co Kildare mother of adult with Autism says funding for transport would be like winning the Lottery

A single North Kildare mother of an adult son with Autism is being forced to provide transport despite a bus passing their place of residence.

Outraged Helen Kenny, mother to 20- year-old Shane, is being forced to drive her son from Leixlip everyday to Moyglare, Maynooth, where he attends day- services.

She then has to travel from Maynooth to Dunboyne where she works as a home-help.

Distressed Ms Kenny, said: "Sometimes I am driving behind the bus going into Maynooth. There are lots of parents like me, since the transports costs for people with special needs were cut. If I had a bus collect Shane, it would be like someone handing me the Lottery."

In 2013, the government decided to close mobility allowance and motorised transport schemes to new applicants, citing legal, financial and practical issues.

Ms Kenny says that while her son is 'able-bodied', he is 'too vulnerable' to take public transport on his own.

She is desperately appealing for transport to be provided for adults with special needs throughout the county.