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REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE LAUNCH OF THE BELTURBET RAILWAY CENTRE PROJECT 22 MARCH 1999

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE LAUNCH OF THE BELTURBET RAILWAY CENTRE PROJECT 22 MARCH 1999

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen

- I am very pleased to be present today for the launch of the Belturbet Railway Centre and I would like to thank Seamus Minogue, Chairman of Belturbet Community Development Association, for inviting me here.

- Because of its geographical position Belturbet has, in the past, provided an important link between North and South - I know it well because it was through Belturbet I often passed en route between my home in Belfast and my grandparents home outside Carrick-on-Shannon. I know that the town has a long-standing tradition as a centre for cross-border trade and co-operation. However, this community has suffered considerably as a result of the violence on this island. In particular the destruction of the Aghalane Bridge in the 1970s seriously disrupted communication routes, leaving Belturbet isolated from its Northern hinterland. Only those whose lives were reshaped as a result fully know the awful loss they had to live with, the loneliness, vulnerability and sense of helplessness.

- But the community has confronted the challenge with which it was faced with courage and determination. Through the Belturbet Community Development Association, local people have worked hard to promote the economic and social regeneration of the town. The results of this commitment can be seen in the many new economic projects underway in Belturbet and the surrounding area. The best known and most ambitious of these has been the re-opening of the Shannon-Erne Waterway, which has significantly increased tourism traffic in the town. Another important initiative has been the opening of the Emerald Star marina in 1994 which also provided an important boost to economic activity. The rebuilding of the Aghalane Bridge and the re-opening of the border roads will further help Belturbet to regain its former position, enabling it to take its rightful place once again at the cusp of activity between North and South.

- The Community Development Association are to be congratulated for their energy in addressing the economic and social challenges which faced Belturbet and its district. Without goodwill and vision at local level, none of the various initiatives I have mentioned would have been possible. Equally they would not have been possible without the generous and far-sighted support of the International Fund for Ireland, and the European Union's Peace and Reconciliation and Interreg Programmes. I would like to acknowledge and warmly commend them on the role they have played. I would especially like to thank the Chairman of IFI, Willie Carter, who joins us here today. It is scarcely necessary to add that their role has not been confined to Belturbet. In town after town throughout Northern Ireland and the Southern border counties, the positive impact of IFI and European Union funding is evident. Inputs of this kind make a vital contribution in helping to consolidate the peace process. They are a positive and tangible example of the warmth and attention with which Ireland is held internationally, and how much goodwill exists for the process of bringing peace and prosperity to this island. So often they seed-bed hope, replacing despair with a fresh new zest and energy.

- Belturbet Community Development Association has an impressive track record. I am pleased that the Railway Centre Project has now been added to their list of achievements. The group is also to be commended for their far-sightedness when presented with the opportunity to purchase the station yard. The fact that they raised the bulk of the cash to buy the station yard through contributions from the local community is typical of their dedication and vision and the commitment of local people.

- Belturbet was once a major rail junction where the Great Northern line and the Cavan/Leitrim narrow-gauge line met. During the fuel shortage in Ireland in World War Two Arigna Mines was the main source of the country's coal. Coal had to be manually carried over from one line to the other at Belturbet. It is a point of pride for the community of Belturbet that they kept the wheels of industry moving during the war. It is heartening to see that the station will once again contribute to the economic life of the town.

- This project is not only of symbolic importance. It also satisfies a real economic need. With the development of the Peace Process an increased level of cross-border co-operation is now underway. As a result of this, there is a shortage of suitable venues for conference and training events, especially those with residential facilities on site. Given its central location, Belturbet is ideally located to provide this service.

- I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you all once again and to wish the Railway Centre every success in the future.