The Irish Red Cross has launched its newest ambulance at Limerick’s City Hall, in a ceremony presided over by the Deputy Mayor of Limerick City and County Cllr. Gerald Mitchell. The ambulance will be based in Limerick City where it replaces a 14-year old vehicle.

Part funding towards the €75,000 cost of the vehicle was provided by the J.P. McManus Benevolent Fund, with the remainder of the monies raised locally by Irish Red Cross members. The new ambulance was built on a Peugeot Boxer van and converted to an ambulance in Ireland by Wilker Auto Conversions Ltd. of Clara, Co. Offaly.

Dr. Andrew Kelly, Area Director of Units for Limerick noted that “The Irish Red Cross is very grateful for the ongoing support of J.P. McManus who has helped the organisation deliver on a range of projects over the past ten years. We also greatly appreciate the assistance we receive from the public, and from Limerick businesses and individuals who support our fundraising efforts year in, year out. We would not be able to provide a service in Limerick without their help. The arrival of this new ambulance will be a great boost to our volunteer members’ morale, and we would like to thank all of our sponsors for making it happen.”
Chairman of the Irish Red Cross, Pat Carey said: “The Irish Red Cross is a key provider of volunteer ambulance and first aid services to events both small and large throughout Ireland. We also help local communities by transporting patients to hospital appointments where needed, as well as responding in support of the statutory emergency services in times of crisis. We want to be at the forefront of bringing modern, safe and fit-for-purpose ambulances into use in Ireland, and this vehicle is likely to represent the standard for Irish Red Cross ambulances into the future.