Order of Malta unit ‘over the moon’ about new ambulance
By Aideen O’Flaherty
THE Tallaght Unit of the Order of Malta added a new addition to its fleet last Thursday, when they received a new ambulance.
The new ambulance will now bring the voluntary order’s Tallaght fleet up to two ambulances and one 4x4 jeep, with the jeep having previously being used during the heavy snowfall caused by Storm Emma in March 2018.
New ambulance for Order of Malta
David Clarke, the officer in charge of the Tallaght Unit of the Order of Malta, told The Echo: “[Getting the new ambulance] means we can expand our charitable work in the Tallaght area.
“We are a voluntary organisation which provides first aid training, and first aid and ambulance services at local events such as football matches, karate and family fun days.
“We also provide a community care service where we can transport people home from hospitals and care facilities to see family or get some respite.”
The Tallaght Unit is entirely funded locally, by donations from the services they provide, according to Mr Clarke.
The new ambulance was purchased with the help of South Dublin County Council and the South Dublin County Partnership, and the vehicle was supplied by Blue Light UK.
Talking about how he felt when the new ambulance arrived, Mr Clarke said: “For me, and the team of 20 volunteers, it feels great, we are over the moon.
“We have never had a vehicle as new or as advanced as this since the unit was founded in 1973.
“This new vehicle will ensure our work can be carried out safely and effectively for many more years to come.”
He added: “For anyone wishing to join we are always on the lookout for new volunteers – all training is provided.”
For more information visit the Order of Malta Ireland website at www.orderofmaltaireland.org, or follow the Order of Malta Ireland Ambulance Corp Tallaght Unit on Facebook.
