The bus was purchased at a cost of £36,000 as the Rotary Club of Enniskillen’s main charity for this year.  

For the past twelve months, Rotary President Kenny Fisher and his fellow Rotarians have been busy fundraising for the bus with events including a sponsored cycle, two concerts in the Ardhowen Theatre, a charity football match in Ballinamallard, a barbecue and treasure hunt, charity breakfast, tea party and proceeds from the annual Rotary Ball. 

The new bus will be used to transport wheelchair bound pupils to work placement visits, shopping trips where they can integrate with the community, trips to the hairdresser; dentist; leisure facilities and restaurants. 

Principal Julie Murphy says the new bus will make a world of difference to the school where travel costs for the last year on bus hire amounted to £10,000. 

“We are delighted to now have our own vehicle resulting in a good saving on our annual budget. The bus will make an immense difference to the school as for the first time pupils in wheelchairs will be able to travel with their class as well as the multi sensory classes being able to get out and about. The new bus means we can transport our own pupils without as much need for outside providers. We are so grateful to the Rotary Club, particularly Kenny Fisher, who was the driving force behind this.”

Mr Fisher told the Herald: “Twelve months ago the project started to raise £36,000 for the new minibus. There were numerous other events which raised funds for the project and I would like to thank everyone who organised and supported these. I’m delighted to be able to hand over the keys and wish Julie, her staff and students safe travels and many happy miles of safe motoring in the years ahead.”