06/07/2026
🚐 Our New Electric Van Has Arrived! ⚡
On Friday, we officially took delivery of our brand-new Kia PV5, which will now be joining our Meals on Wheels Tralee & Killarney service. This marks another significant milestone for our organisation, as it becomes our third Meals on Wheels van on the road, helping us to continue expanding and strengthening our service across Kerry.
With the arrival of our new Kia PV5, our fleet now consists of two fully electric vans and one diesel van, representing another important step towards reducing our running costs and building a more sustainable service for the future.
Earlier this year, we had the opportunity to test drive the Kia PV5 thanks to McElligotts Tralee, not only for allowing us to see how it would perform in real-world conditions before making our decision, but also for making a significant financial contribution towards its purchase. Following that test drive, we were confident it was the right vehicle for our service, and we are delighted to now have it on the road.
This project would not have been possible without the support of so many people and organisations.
Firstly, we would like to express our sincere thanks to Clann Credo, who provided the initial financial support that enabled us to proceed with the purchase while our CLÁR funding application was being finalised. Their confidence in our project ensured we could move forward without delay.
We would also like to sincerely thank the Department of Rural and Community Development, through the CLÁR Programme, for providing the funding that covered the vast majority of the cost of the van. This investment in rural community services has made a real and lasting difference.
A special thank you also to the HSE for its continued support of our Meals on Wheels service and for working in partnership with us to improve community services across Kerry.
The remaining cost of the vehicle was bridged through the generosity of our local business sponsors, and we are incredibly grateful for their support:
* McElligotts (KIA) Tralee
* Robert Kelly Paints
* Murphy Design & Print
* The Warehouse Café
* The Ross Hotel
* Killarney Tour & Taxi
* Kerry Coaches
* Munster Coving
Over the coming weeks, each of these businesses will have their logo proudly displayed on the van as a lasting recognition of the vital role they played in bringing this project to fruition.
This new electric van represents another important investment in our service. We chose the Kia PV5 because it offered one of the largest battery ranges available in its class, giving us the confidence that it can comfortably meet the demands of our daily routes across Tralee, Killarney and the wider Kerry area.
Having two electric vans now means a significant proportion of our deliveries can be completed without using diesel. We are also hopeful of securing funding for solar panels at our premises. If successful, we will be able to charge both electric vans using renewable energy generated on site, significantly reducing—and potentially eliminating—our fuel costs. Every euro saved on running costs is a euro that can instead be reinvested directly into delivering nutritious meals and supporting older people and vulnerable members of our community.
Thank you to everyone who has played a part in reaching this milestone. We look forward to seeing our newest van delivering meals throughout Tralee and Killarney in the weeks ahead.
