BREAKING: Anger as meals on wheels service and day care operations in Kildare shut
The service has operated in west Kildare for 30 years
The decision to end the meals on wheels service in west Kildare has come under fire.
People using the service there have been informed by the Society of St Vincent de Paul that the service will cease at the end of the month.
A letter, signed by the V de P’s east regional president, says that all operations at the day care centre in Allenwood will end on Friday March 28.
It continues: “We are very proud of the 30 years service we have given to the local community but regrettably we are no longer in a position to operate this service.”
It also says that its family visitation work will continue.
Cllr Daragh Fitzpatrick criticised the decision to cease the meals on wheels service.
“It’s absolutely crazy that this is allowed to happen; it will affect a lot of people, including those who prepare and deliver the meals,” said Cllr Fitzpatrick.
Sen Fiona O'Loughlin
She said the centre is “vitally important” for those who use it, and the senator has raised this with the Minister for Older People, Kieran O’Donnell.
“The centre was previously being operated by Saint Vincent De Paul the service on behalf of the Health Service Executive and has been closed for ten weeks.”
She said: “The day care centre has 37 users. A third of these users have dementia and are some of our most vulnerable in society.”
“They rely on the day care centre to be a safe place in which they can connect with their families, neighbours, and friends. This was a really vital part of their week, and we must restore it as soon as possible,” she said.
“There must be reasonable alternatives given to these people in the meantime. They deserve that. I welcome the offering of meals on wheels service to all active users, and the opportunity for them to be provided with transport to other day centres.”
The V de P has been contacted for comment.