A group or organisation who wishes to use the bus has two options. Should the bus be required on a weekly basis there is an annual registration fee of €125 per annum and for occasional use there is a registration fee of €75 per annum. Groups can nominate their own volunteer driver, (must have a D1) licence or they can avail of one of the Centre’s registered volunteer drivers. The organisation then takes the bus full of diesel and returns the bus full of diesel, so apart from the membership fee, they essentially only pay for the diesel they use for any particular trip. The bus holds 13 people seated plus one driver or 12 people seated, 1 wheelchair and one driver. The vehicle is fully adapted with an automated hoist for wheelchairs. In the event that two or more groups want to book the bus at the same time, priority will be given to groups catering for the aged in the community, followed by people with special needs, youth and community groups, sporting organisations, schools and privately run local groups which benefit local people. The bus is not available for commercial or political purposes. The bus is managed through the Carrigaline Family Support Centre with the support of an independent community bus management committee. This is an amazing resource for the community and currently used by in excess of 20 groups in the area. The bus essentially costs approximately €5,000 per annum to keep on the road and generates about €1500 per annum. Thus there is a shortfall of approximately €3500. The Bus Management Committee in order to keep costs down for the local community groups are now fundraising to try to raise the shortfall. They will be having a Variety Concert on 15th May at 7pm in the Carrigaline Court Hotel. Tickets are €10 each and are available at The Carrigaline Family Support Centre, The Carrigaline Court Hotel, or on the night. A great line up has been organised to include, Dan Twomey, Macra Na Feirme Comedy Sketch, Kiely Walsh Irish Dancers, The Carrigaline Pipe Band, JAVA Ladies Choir, The Boys National School Choir, Active Retired Line Dancers, Carrigdhoun Comhaltas Group, Anthony Meegan, and Jack Brierly we are also proud to announce that the Master of Ceremonies, is none other than PJ Coogan of 96fm. The Family Support Centre would encourage families with special needs members to consider using the bus for family outings. The same registration fees and conditions apply. This bus would be ideal for the family of a wheelchair user, who need to organise a day trip for extended family. Anybody interested in booking the bus or attending the concert should contact the Carrigaline Family Support Centre for further information, at 021 491 9299 or /email: cfsicc@gmail.com.
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