Kilkenny day centres and meals on wheels to benefit from funding windfall

Local TD John McGuinness has welcomed the eligibility for up to 10 centres in County Kilkenny to apply for funding for older persons Day Centre and Meals on Wheels Community Care services that was announced by Government this week.

This scheme will be available to support around 400 Section 39 community organisations across the country by providing extra financial support of up to €25,000 per organisation.

The funding is designed to support improvements to the physical premises for day centres and Meals on Wheels services. It can be used to upgrade kitchens and other facilities, and to purchase equipment.

Since its establishment, the Meals on Wheels service has been vital to many communities across the country, providing approximately 2.7 million meals last year.

Speaking on the availability of this funding, Deputy McGuinness said: “This is positive news for these centres in Kilkenny that provide vital services for our elderly. This funding can go towards improving many Day Centres that may need to upgrade their facilities and will help these centres cater for the needs of people who avail of their services.”

“Older person Day Centres and Meals on Wheels services are such a vital service for so many, and many people rely on it. They offer a safe and welcoming environment where people can access these essential services as well as allowing people to engage in social activities,” he said.

“People want to be able to live at home for longer, and that doesn’t always mean care in their home. For people to have access to these Day Centres and essential services, it gives them a sense of purpose, social interaction, and a safe environment to meet friends.”

“We have almost doubled funding for the national Meals on Wheels service from over €3 million in 2022 to over €6 million this year. I would encourage all eligible centres in Kilkenny to apply for this funding,” concluded Deputy John McGuinness.

The ten centres in Kilkenny that are eligible are Kilkenny Social Services, Moneenroe Community Council, Moneenroe Community Council Meals on Wheels, Ossory Social Service, St. Canice's Parish Homes, Castlecomer DCS, Dalton House DCS, St Johns Homes DCS, St Marys DCS and Village DCS / ASI Millenium Court DCS.