No Christmas return of Portlaoise Meals on Wheels

Portlaoise Meals on Wheels service is on the way back after three years but it will not be revived in time for serving Christmas dinners.

Laois County Council has welcomed the return of the volunteer dependent door to door meal delivery service, to people living alone and in need in and around the town.

However it is confirmed that a hoped for return by Christmas is out of reach.

Portlaoise Municipal District Cllr Marie Tuohy is urging the community to fill the gap, and reach out to anyone alone on Christmas day.

“This is the third year with no service but there won’t be a fourth. It will be back hopefully in the first quarter (by March) next year. It’s not available for Christmas, to correct some misunderstanding. The referrals will be through GPs and the public health nurse. Laois Partnership has offered office space and training for the administrator.

“I want to mention Teresa McCloskey a local lady who has been driving this from day one, through her personal experience with her own parents. She has put so much work and dedication into it.

“There are people alone. It’s not just a hot meal, it might be a window to the outside world. Somebody knocking on the door. Really great volunteers have come on board and are getting through the vetting process. It’s people giving up their time to look after others. There are so many people that are in need of this service. It’s a welfare check-in for the lonely.

“I’d like to ask people to be mindful over the holiday season that not everybody has an extended family or friends around them. Maybe there is somebody in your neighbourhood that might need a knock on the door,” Cllr Tuohy said.

She thanked Laois County Council for organising meetings of local organisations on the issue, and Laois Partnership for getting funding for the new coordinator to oversee year one of the service. She added that a meeting organised by Deputy Brian Stanley has led to getting the use of a staff canteen in the HSE’s St Fintan’s Campus for storage.

The new coordinator is Teresa McCloskey, who has taken on the role having formerly been the committee chair. She spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live after the meeting.

“Unfortunately people were under the impression it was up and running. There is no delay. We are working really hard. It’s just a long process, it has to be done properly, with Garda vetting. It is all moving forward, as fast as possible. We want people to have an amazing Meals on Wheels service, including wellness checks.

“I would have loved to be able to have something set up for Christmas. There are people who will go without a dinner, they might be lucky if they have a microwave dinner. Please, will their neighbours think of anyone living alone, or a family member, and invite them,” she said.

Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald had seconded the motion, and thanked Laois Partnership also for their work.

“Hopefully all will go well. This is a vital service,” she said.

Cllr Tommy Mulligan noted that it is “volunteer driven” as volunteers will be responsible for collecting and delivering the dinners door to door, in their own cars at no charge.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley is on the committee and said it is “a service that is very badly needed”.

“It’s great to be back up and running after such a long gap, there is no doubt it will be a positive thing for the elderly and vulnerable in our area,” she said.

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Cathaoirleach Cllr John Joe Fennelly said that it is not just meals.

“It is a knock on the door, a chat, just knowing somebody is going to be calling.”

Cllr Paddy Buggy added that two members of his own family are involved.

“Well done to everybody making it happen,” he said.

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