IWA centre in Portlaoise hosts uplifting visit

UPLIFTING music set the tone for a memorable visit to the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) service centre at St Fintan’s Hospital Campus, Portlaoise.

The event opened on a positive note with a brilliant banjo performance by Aidan McFall, as the centre welcomed members of the Laois Local Community Development Committee (LCDC).

Among the highlights was a tour of the centre’s accessible gym, which is widely used by IWA service members from Laois and surrounding counties.

The gym recently expanded with a new accessible treadmill, funded through the LEP grant scheme. The treadmill is a valuable addition to the gym, which was set up with funding from the 2023 Sport Ireland Dormant Account Capital Fund.

IWA service coordinator Sylvia Rouget warmly welcomed LCDC members, who included council chief executive Michael Rainey, Cllr John King, Cllr Paschal McEvoy, Brian Brennan and Pat Whelan, IWA staff member and service user in addition to his LCDC role.

Established in July 2014, the LCDC consists of representatives of Laois Co Council, state agencies and social and economic partners.

Supported by the county council’s community development section, the committee plays a key role in coordinating community funding, advancing local projects and promoting ‘meaningful engagement’ across the county.

Also attending the event on 26 November were Healthy Laois coordinator Emma O’Connor, LCDC chief officer Georgina Ireland and Elaine Duff, Laois Co Council.

The IWA acknowledged the ongoing support of Catriona Slattery, Disability Officer with Laois Sports Partnership, as well as the valuable Healthy Laois-funded cooking and nutrition classes, which continue to enhance the holistic supports available for service users.

Speaking at the event, Ms Rouget said: “This facility has widened the range of services provided to our users. We are proud to share not only our facilities but our expertise, learning, time, and efforts with our community partners.” 

Mr Rainey said he was delighted to be part of the visit, to see first-hand the incredible work the IWA centre does to empower people with disabilities across Laois and beyond. 

He said: “Their commitment to inclusion, independence and community support is truly inspiring. As a local authority, we are proud to collaborate with organisations like the IWA, to ensure that accessibility and equality remain at the heart of our services.”