The Lord Mayor of Dublin Eibhlin Byrne will officially launch  “Shop Route”, a new free weekly transport service for older persons in the North Central Area of Dublin City on Tuesday 31st March 2009 at 6pm in Donnycarney/Beaumont Local Care Centre, St. John’s Court, Malahide Road, Donnycarney, Dublin 3.

“Shop Route” is an inter-agency initiative of Dublin City Council and Vantastic, which offers a fully accessible free door-to-door transport service to local shopping centres for older people in the North Central Area of Dublin.

The Lord Mayor Eibhlin Byrne said, “Public transport is a lifeline, linking older people with the rest of their community.   We are all committed to enabling older people live independently in our communities without feeling isolated.   The ‘Shop Route’ is a practical reflection of this.   An accessible, reliable and free transport service is vital for our older generation and Dublin City Council has shown its commitment to these citizens by providing this service”

Dublin City Council introduced “Shop Route” following the success of a 6month pilot project, which provided free transport for older people to local shopping centres around the North Central area.    Shop Route will operate five days a week (Monday – Friday) between 9.00am and 2.00pm.  The service will be available in each neighbourhood one day each week.  Booking on Vantastic’s free phone number 1800-242703 is essential and subject to availability.

ENDS

For further information please contact: Cathrina Murphy, North Central Area Office, T: (01) 2228544 or Dublin City Council Press Office T: (01) 2222170/086 8150010

 
Notes To The Editor

User of the service
Ms. Mona Seville – User of the Transport service - is available for interview on the day.

 
North Central Area
Dublin City Council comprises of five administrative areas – one of which is the North Central Area.  This area includes Donaghmede, Kilbarrack, Raheny, Harmonstown, Killester, Clontarf, Marino, Donnycarney, Artane, Beaumont, Kilmore, Coolock and Darndale.

Vantastic
Vantastic is a not for profit Irish Charity registered as a limited company (by guarantee not having share capital) since March 2000.  It operates on a membership basis, managed by a Voluntary Board of Directors.  It provides a 7-day a week, door-to-door transport service for people with disabilities and ageing and older people with mobility impairments.   All drivers are professionally trained and have received occupational first-aid training and are MiDAS Certified.  All vehicles are fully accessible vehicles.