ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT MCALEESE ON THE OCCASION OF HER VISIT TO WESTSIDE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT MCALEESE ON THE OCCASION OF HER VISIT TO WESTSIDE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT RESOURCE CENTRE WEDNESDAY, 6TH JUNE
Is cúis mhór áthais dom bheith anseo libh inniu ag an ocáid specialta seo. Tá mé buíoch díbh as an chuireadh agus an fáilte fíorchaoin a chur sibh romham.
It is a great pleasure to be here with you today at the Westside Community Development Resource Centre. It is an honour to be associated with such a worthwhile initiative and I would like to thank Deirdre Commins for inviting me to perform the official opening of the Centre.
The great strength of the Westside Community Resource Centre is in the people and groups who participate in it – in the generous sharing of resources and information and in the effective pooling of energy and talent. Each achievement layers up a strong sense of purpose and confidence.
It is clear that the Centre will be a focal point for the delivery of a range of vital services to the people of the area – primary health care facilities, a pre-school crèche, support groups, among others.
As a parent, I understand the value of ensuring that our children grow and learn in a safe, secure and pleasant environment. The Playgroup will provide them with a foundation for accessing further education and employment in their adult years. This is particularly important today, where the concept of life-long learning is now a feature of life in a fast-moving world.
Today is the culmination of a long process of consultation, planning, lobbying, campaigning and fundraising.
This official opening is in some way a formal recognition of the tremendous work that has been undertaken by the volunteers of this centre for a number of years. It is fitting therefore that it is taking place in this, the International Year of the Volunteer.
In conclusion, I believe that this facility has the potential to serve the needs of this community for many years to come. It merely remains for me to wish you every success in the future and to thank you once again for inviting me to share this wonderful occasion with you.
I am delighted to declare the Westside Community Development Resource Centre officially open.
Go n-éirí go geal libh. Go raibh maith agaibh.