TÁNAISTE LAUNCHES LONGFORD MOBILE INFORMATION SERVICE

Tánaiste Mary Harney (Thursday 5th November, 1998) launched the Mobile Information Service and a Study Travellers Needs in Co. Longford.

The Tánaiste spoke at the launch at St. Joseph's Hospital, Dublin Road, Longford, "The new mobile information unit is a fine example of co-operation between Longford Community Resources, Longford Social Services and the Midland Health Board. All three have come together to co-fund this bus as a mobile transport and information service".

The purpose of the new mobile service is to enable travellers, those unemployed, the elderly, lone parents and those who are disabled access information on the services provided by the participating organisations and relevant activities. Rural smallholders will be encouraged to link to the Rural Resource Service operated bus Longford Community Resources. The mobile bus will also meet the transport needs of many older people in rural areas and will help meet many of their needs such as social contact, shopping and recreation.

The Tánaiste said that she believed the new service would facilitate the integration of the target groups into mainstream activities, provide information on training, education and job opportunities available throughout Co. Longford. "I congratulate all involved in this initiative that is designed to bring essential services to people who might otherwise be passed by by the statutory and other agencies."

Launching the Travellers Study, the Tánaiste said the initiative by Longford Community Resources in commissioning the study was highly commendable. The research sought the views of travellers and service providers in order to identify key issues and make recommendations on how these issues can best be addressed.

The Tánaiste said that the research carried out by Longford Community Resources is timely against the background of policy development by the Department of Health. "I am confident that it will prove an invaluable source of information in the development of services for the travelling community at local level", the Tánaiste said.