LIMERICK City and County Council has joined forces with An Garda Síochána to launch a minibus service that will provide free transport for local community groups when it hits the road this May.
Jointly funded by the local authority the 15-seat bus will allow Gardaí engage directly with local community groups with a Garda driver bringing groups to and from outings and functions.
The minibus will transfer to the Garda Fleet and become a Garda vehicle with operational costs coming from the Garda budget, while the vehicle will be driven by a Garda member at all times.
Speaking at last Friday’s Limerick Joint Policing Committee meeting, Garda Chief Superintendent Gerard Roche said: “I am delighted that An Garda Síochána will be able to provide this service to the local community in Limerick.
“Schools, elderly groups, youth clubs and sports clubs are just some of the groups that will benefit. Providing this service will give us a great opportunity to enhance our existing strong links within the community.”
Council Director of Community Development Gordon Daly said that local community groups would be the major beneficiaries, particularly those working with the most vulnerable in the city and county.
“The new community bus will allow numerous communities and individuals across Limerick to remain connected and provide a safe much-needed support for the young and old. This project highlights the close working relationship between the Council and the Gardaí for the betterment of the community as a whole,” Mr Daly said.