Renault Ireland has handed over a specially-adapted fully electric Renault ZOE to the Irish Wheelchair Association.

The Renault ZOE will be based in the Irish Wheelchair Association Centre in Clontarf and will be used to provide driving assessment and tuition to motorists with disabilities.

For many people, the design of conventional manual cars does not allow them to drive such vehicles. This vehicle, which features a wide range of adaptations, is specifically modified to ensure that the challenges that many cars can present to some motorists can be overcome.

Irish Wheelchair Association works with, and on behalf of, people with physical disabilities to drive positive change in Ireland through the influencing of public policy, the provision of quality services and enabling accessibility to all aspects of society. It has a vision of an Ireland where people with disabilities enjoy equal rights, choices and opportunities in how they live their lives, and where our country is a model worldwide for a truly inclusive society.

The organisation is a leading representative organisation and service provider for people with physical disabilities, with 20,000 members, 57 local community centres and 1,000 volunteers.

Conor Dixon, Renault Ireland says: "We are delighted to provide this specially-adapted electric Renault ZOE to the Irish Wheelchair Association and we hope this will enable more people to get behind the wheel and learn to drive. The IWA does such fantastic work and we're delighted to be able to support its vision. We wish all future motorists at the IWA safe driving and an enjoyable learning experience in the all-electric Renault ZOE!"

Tony Maher, Head of Transport, Irish Wheelchair Association said: "Given the importance of our driving and tuition service to motorists with disabilities, we are delighted to receive this very generous support from Renault. The fact that this vehicle is also electric and the first driving assessment and tuition electric vehicle in the country, underlines both organisations’ commitment to provide a first-rate service in an environmentally friendly manner."