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REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE OPENING OF A DROP-IN-CENTRE AT ARDLEA PARISH

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE OPENING OF A DROP-IN-CENTRE AT ARDLEA PARISH RESOURCE CENTRE, ARTANE

I am delighted to be with you today for this important event in the life of the Ardlea Parish Resource Centre – and indeed for the people of this area, who will be using the new facility. I am grateful indeed to Fr. Michael Walse for inviting me to be a part of this day and for giving me this opportunity to meet with the people of your community – to see the work that you have put into the resource centre – and to hear about your unfolding plans for the development of a service that will meet the needs of every section of the community.

Since my inauguration in November of last year, I have had several opportunities to visit communities throughout Ireland – in cities, in villages and in towns. No matter where I have gone I have been struck by the vibrant sense of community that is helping people to maintain their identities as communities – to come to terms with the needs that they have - and, through partnerships and linkages with other groups – with statutory and voluntary agencies – to work for the betterment of their own place – to address the requirement of the community as they see them – and not as the “people in suits” decide on their behalf.

The striking thing about what is being done is that communities are being empowered by their own actions and initiatives. The more they achieve, the more they want to attempt. Within each community there are different obstacles and challenges to overcome – whether it’s the lack of social services in the new sub-urban areas – the problem of drug abuse or unemployment – or the challenges faced by communities with aging populations. The one thing that each has in common is that they are part of a fast changing world where their own individual and community circumstances are changing – putting new demands on the services available to them. The secret to success in those circumstances is in the ability to change and to continue the process of critiquing what has been done to meet requirements and what can be done to cater for new emerging situations which bring with them new challenges.

The Drop-in Centre we are opening today is meeting a perceived need in your community that reflects very much the changes in society generally – where family units are getting smaller – life expectancies are getting longer – and people are expected to rely more and more on their own resources for friendship and companionship. By affording people a place where they can come which is caring and friendly, you are allowing people to explore their own lives more fully – to blossom in an environment free of threats and fears – and to get the all important advice and guidance to allow them to move forward through a whole range of follow-up options such personal development and affirmation – parenting – the arts – spirituality – sexuality – social studies - or even stress management. The important thing is that by catering for the needs of all age groups and all circumstances, you have reinforced the sense of caring that is the hallmark of a healthy and forward-looking community.

By my presence here today, I want to pay tribute to what you have done in making this dream a reality. I know that it takes a great deal of commitment and hard work by many people – and by people who are prepared to contribute resources. In opening the Drop-In Centre – I was to give recognition to all of the individuals and groups who have had a hand in the development of the Centre – to the local women’s group – to Sister Nellie Barron – and to the public representatives of the area who have supported the community in what they are doing. To all of the community, I want to extend my good wishes for continued success in your work in and for Ardlea – making it a nice place to live for all age groups – and a place of which you can be justifiably proud.