Window on Wicklow Episode 16: Donard-Dunlavin Meals on Wheels

Jamie Ryan joined the Donard-Dunlavin Meals on Wheels team in the Imaal Hall in Dunlavin

Jamie Ryan travelled to the Imaal Hall in Dunlavin to meet the dedicated volunteers behind the Donard–Dunlavin Meals on Wheels service, a vital lifeline for many older and vulnerable people in the area. The episode explores how the service operates on a day-to-day basis, from early morning food preparation through to delivery routes that stretch across rural West Wicklow. Listeners hear about the increasing demand for the service, driven by an ageing population and rural isolation, as well as the logistical challenges of reaching people in more remote areas. Despite this, the team continues to expand its reach, ensuring no one in the community is left without support. Jamie speaks with organisers about funding, sustainability, and the importance of local support in keeping the service running. The episode paints a clear picture of a community pulling together, with quiet, consistent effort making a real difference in people’s lives.