Today, Tuesday 23rd April, Dublin Bus launched the 9th year of the Community Spirit Awards with the help of the programme’s patron, former Irish International Footballer, Niall Quinn and DEBRA Ireland.

DEBRA Ireland is one of over 1,000 voluntary groups across the Greater Dublin Area who has received funding under the programme. Other successful applicants over the years include The Capuchin Day Centre, Fettercairn Youth Horse Project, the Sunshine House in Balbriggan and Santry Active Retirement Association.

Commenting on the award they received, Jimmy Fearon, CEO, DEBRA Ireland, said; “Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a skin condition so severe that patients are described as having skin as delicate as the wings of a butterfly. But whilst their skin is weak, our patients have strength of spirit that is unmatched. That’s why it gives us great pleasure to support the launch of the Dublin Bus Community Spirit awards. When we had to move offices in 2008 we faced the burden of costs associated with moving IT, phones, etc. The Dublin Bus Community Spirit Awards offered us real, practical help to allow us to make the move as efficient as possible. This allowed us to focus on our priority – our patients.”

Commenting on his role as patron of the programme, Niall Quinn, said, “This is my ninth year as patron of these awards and I have seen first hand the difference these grants can make to local community groups and I want to encourage every voluntary group in the Greater Dublin Area to fill out an application form and get their entry into Dublin Bus.” 

Under the terms of the programme entrants submit a proposal with details about their organisation and the project they wish to have funded. Each application is then judged independently and grants ranging from €5,000, €2,000 and €1,000 are awarded.