Fine Gael Councillor Thomasina Connell says that steps are being taken to reintroduce the ‘Meals on Wheels’ service to Portlaoise after a year absence.
“Meals on Wheels has not been functional in Portlaoise since last year,” Cllr Connell stated, “and it is hoped that this invaluable service will be up and running again in the coming months for those who need the service the most.”
Meals on Wheels is a community service that delivers meals to people who are unable to prepare or access food without help. This typically is because of age, illness, or disability.
A meeting took place last week with members of the National Meals on Wheels Network Development Team, the HSE, Local Councillors, Laois County Council staff, Laois Partnership staff, community reps and others.
The meeting was called to discuss how to make sure this invaluable service is reinstated.
Cllr Connell says that all the attendees “were committed to ensuring the service recommences, it’s now down to finding a way to make this work.”
“Having heard from all sides at the meeting, it would appear that there will be a significant demand for this service once re-established,” Cllr Connell stated.
“There is certainly a willingness to provide this service in Portlaoise and everyone present at the meeting is motivated to do what they can to get the service back.”
Cllr Connell also announced that it was decided at the meeting that other community groups should be asked to provide volunteers to “create a framework for the Meals on Wheels service in Portlaoise.”
“It is heartbreaking that so many people have been going without a hot meal,” Cllr Thomas concluded, “I am hopeful we will have a Meals on Wheels service rolled out in Portlaoise in the not too distant future.”
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