Remarks by President McAleese at the official opening of Dunhill Enterprise Centre
Remarks by President McAleese at the official opening of Dunhill Enterprise Centre, Co. Waterford Monday 6th March, 2000
A dhaoine uaisle, tá áthas an domhain orm go bhfuil mé anseo libh inniú. Tá mé buíoch díbh as an chuireadh a thug sibh dom teacht anseo.
I am delighted to be here with you today to officially open your Enterprise Centre. I know that this Centre marks the culmination of years of hard work and fundraising by all those involved in DFBA Community Enterprise Ltd and indeed by the people of Dunhill, Fenor, Boatstrand and Annestown. Looking around me today, it is apparent that your tireless efforts have handsomely paid off.
I think your motto speaks volumes for the spirit in this area ‘There is no limit to what can be achieved by a community working together’ which echoes the old Irish saying ‘Ní neart go cur le chéíle’. It is increasingly obvious that those communities that are prepared to take greater responsibility for self-development are more likely to be successful in revitalising and promoting their locality. And yet, it never ceases to amaze and inspire me when I witness what local communities such as yours are accomplishing in striving to address the economic, social and environmental needs of their local areas.
In many parts of this island, communities are having to come to terms with rural decline, resulting from the drift of their youth to the large towns and cities to get work and make their homes. But all over the country communities are realising that creating local, sustainable, indigenous industry, which complements and respects the local environment is the antidote to reverse this process.
It is now generally recognised that the small business sector has the potential to make a very significant contribution to job creation here in Ireland. This success of this new Centre is already evident from the number and variety of small businesses it supports. From fire screens to fine furniture, industrial cleaning to pilgrimages, stained glass to publishing – they are a testament to the spirit of determination and co-operation which is alive in this community. Starting and running a business is an act of courage. Many of you, I know, will have taken substantial risks in starting up on your own. With the expert services of the State agencies, complemented by the support of the local community such as exists here in Dunhill, the potential for new business development can be harnessed to provide employment in the area now and in the future and to help reverse the drain on the local population. You have invested in your local community, you deserve everyone’s help and support in building that investment and making a solid foundation for the future of this area.
I know that a fundamental part of the DFBA’s objective, since its inception in 1992, has been the establishment of this Enterprise Centre. This has been possible with the assistance of the Integrated Local Development Programme, the Waterford County Enterprise Board and Enterprise Ireland, a fine example of how much can be achieved through co-operation. But the Association’s ambitions have not stopped at enterprise development – with initiatives ranging from tourism, heritage and environmental projects. You have enjoyed a particularly fruitful relationship with the LEADER Programme which has been such a success all over the country. I believe that the beautiful landscaping which is such a feature of your main street here in Dunhill was one of your joint projects. I know that conservation is one of your core values and I was very interested to learn of a most innovative project, the Anne Valley Wetlands Project, which has been instrumental not only in improving the water quality but also in creating a viable habitat for the wildlife and fisheries of the area. This is real progress - creating employment and improving your local environment, ensuring that future generations will continue to make their home in this most beautiful part of the country.
Together with this Enterprise Centre, these are all fine projects. Most importantly, they are a wonderful example of what can be achieved, by a local community working together and tapping into the full range of available State supports.
The whole effort speaks of a community that is vigorous and progressive and whose members are prepared to make the considerable sacrifices that are necessary for such a venture. Today we remember especially Peter Murphy and mourn his tragic, untimely death in a car accident recently. As Project Manager, Peter was a vital lynchpin in getting this Centre off the ground. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam dhilís.
I think I speak for all present when I offer my warm congratulations and thanks to all the members of the Dunhill – Fenor – Boatstrand – Annestown Community Enterprise Association for their hard work and dedication for the local communities.
I have great pleasure in declaring this Enterprise Centre officially open.
Go raibh maith agaibh go leir.