REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF KILCRONAN HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF KILCRONAN HOUSING DEVELOPMENT 5th SEPTEMBER 2000
Is cúis mhór áthais dom bheith anseo libh inniu ag an ocaid specialta seo. Tá me buíoch díbh as an chuireadh agus an fáilte fíorchaoin a chur sibh romham
I am delighted to join you today on this very happy occasion to officially open the Kilcronan Housing Development and I thank John Carroll for the kind invitation.
I would like to congratulate all those associated with HAIL for their efforts to bring about this project. In a new century, in a world that seems to be forever moving, forever changing, it is easy to lose sight of the things that matter most to us. But those of you involved with HAIL recognise a core need that is a part of all of us, the need to find a space for ourselves, a place where we can feel at ease, feel valued and at peace, a place we can call home.
It is a sad fact that while our country is experiencing a level of prosperity only dreamed about by earlier generations, there are still too many people who are not reaping the fruits of our success. They remain on the margins of our society watching today’s success, mere spectators, not participants. Groups such as HAIL believe in providing real opportunity to people, who for whatever reason find themselves marginalised. By extending a helping hand to those who need it we can draw them into the centre to live their lives with hope and dignity and possess that most basic need of all – a home of their own.
I would like to commend HAIL and all involved in the voluntary housing movement for their excellent work in the Irish social housing system. Over the past fifteen years you have been instrumental in providing support services to vulnerable members of our community. Many changes occur in our lives over the course of our lifetime and our needs can change dramatically too, whether because of accident or illness of simply the passage of time and advancing years. It can be difficult enough to cope with illness or disability without the added worry of not having a house to call your own. It is a great source of comfort to know that organisations such as HAIL, staffed by individuals who are motivated simply by a desire to help others, willingly take up the challenge to provide practical and real assistance to people who are experiencing difficulties at a time when they need it most.
You deserve enormous credit for your commitment and your care. It is easy to see what a tremendous impact this development will make on the lives of the new residents here in Kilcronan. You are now the proud residents in these lovely new homes and apartments - the next step is in your hands. It is now up to all of you to make this collection of bricks and mortar into homes and to make this small estate into a neighbourly community. I know that HAIL have provided much more than just shelter to this fledgling community. Their network of support, both emotional and practical, will ensure that no one feels isolated or alone and that help will be on hand if it is needed.
I am delighted that part of this new development includes this beautiful Community facility where we are today. I hope that this is the first of many occasions which all the residents of Kilcronan will enjoy as you grow together as a vibrant community.
Kilcronan is the product of the dreams, hard work and the indomitible spirit of so many people. Great credit is due to the board of Directors and all the employees of HAIL, to Dublin South County Council, St. Brendan’s Mental Health Association, The Dublin Homeless Initiative and the trojan efforts of FAS workers. Every where I go, every renovation project or community initiative FAS workers have been there before me, working hard, playing their part towards the betterment of communities throughout the country. Again your contribution to this development is appreciated.
Great thanks is also due to the developer Brendan Woods Ltd, and architect, Gerry Cahill.
I wish all the residents present and future every happiness peace and fulfilment in your new homes. May the memories which gather and grow in these new homes be happy memories, may those happy memories start with this special day.
It is my great pleasure to declare this new development officially open.