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Meals on Wheels network to demonstrate outside Leinster House

The National Meals on Wheels Network has said there is a 'critical need' for increased and sustained funding for its services across Ireland. The network, supported by Irish Rural Link (IRL), is holding a demonstration outside Leinster House today (Wednesday, April 30). The National Meals on Wheels Network was established under the umbrella of IRL in 2015. The aim of the network is to provide a local, community-led professional facility to assist people who require services to maintain optimum health and independence. Meals on Wheels Today's demonstration, which begins at 10:00a.m, will highlight the importance of ensuring the long-term sustainability of these services, which support older people and vulnerable individuals. Following the demonstration, members of the Oireachtas will be invited to an information day in Buswells Hotel. Meals on Wheels providers will share insights into the invaluable services they deliver, as well as the growing challenges they face in their local areas, despite rising demand. An ageing population is outpacing current funding levels, while providers face increasing food and fuel costs, staffing shortages, and a decline in volunteerism. Additional pressures such as rising insurance premiums, complex compliance requirements, and the drive for digital transformation add further strain — particularly for smaller, community-based providers. Tracey Noone, development officer for the National Meals on Wheels Network, said that despite the obstacles, providers remain committed to supporting older people in living independently and with dignity in their own homes. 'The National Meals on Wheels Network's strategy aims to ensure sustainable funding, collaboration and innovation for providers to meet growing needs. 'Increased funding is required for the network to develop national meals on wheels standards, design specific software, and implement both to ensure national accessibility and continue the network's work on behalf of providers,' she said.