Bus fare windfall for charities
Up to €250,000 in unclaimed bus fares is to be donated by Dublin Bus to local charities, schools and community groups this year, it emerged today.
Now in its third year, the Community Support Programme has so far helped more than 300 groups which have received €500,000.
The grants for the programme are funded from long-term unclaimed bus change receipts since Dublin Bus’s no-change policy on its fleet of vehicles.
Launching the 2006 scheme, former Irish international footballer Niall Quinn said: “This programme is aimed at the small local groups and organisations that are trying to make a difference in their community and is proving really popular.
“I have visited a number of the charities who have received money from Dublin Bus and it has made a huge difference to them and I’m delighted that Dublin Bus are committed to continuing this programme.”
CIE chairman John Lynch invited applications for funding from groups involving children and youth, people with disabilities, the elderly and the environment.
“The grants will range from €1,000 up to €5,000 and we hope to help as many groups as we can,” he said.
The closing date for applications is Friday March 31.
Application forms are available on the www.dublinbus.ie website.
