For Judith Healey from Limerick the arrival of CRC's mobile gait analysis clinic to Limerick was a nice change.
Finally the specialists came to her after years of travelling up to the capital for treatment for her daughter.
Kate was born with a rare chromosome abnormality 12 years, ago, which results in delayed development.
Since then, Kate and her mother have had to make numerous trips to Dublin to visit various specialists.
The trip involved transporting Kate's reinforced buggy by train and staying with a relative in Templeogue.
The excursion often took three days out of Kate's school schedule and three days out of her mother's working week.
In addition to her chromosomal abnormality, Kate suffered from a walking disability as a result of tight tendons and problems with her instep.
After waiting six years to get an appointment to see a specialist in Limerick, they were told that Kate would need to undergo gait analysis prior to surgery.
Luckily, the mobile gait lab was being piloted in Limerick and Kate was the first person to try out the new service.
Rather than a two or three-day round trip to Dublin, Kate and Judith went to the new lab, which is just a 10-minute drive from their home.
Kate was analysed and went on to have surgery, which has greatly improved her ability to walk.
"I can appreciate why services are centred in the capital. But to have to continually travel can be very difficult.
"Luckily for me Kate is mobile enough and sociable enough. But for other people it can be a real trial."