REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF MARKET HOUSE, ARVAGH
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF MARKET HOUSE, ARVAGH, CO. CAVAN WEDNESDAY, 30TH OCTOBER, 2002
Tá an-áthas orm bheith i bhur láthair inniu ar an ocáid speisalta seo. Tá mé buíoch díbh as an gcuireadh agus an bhfáilte fhíorchaoin a chur sibh romham.
I want to thank you all for the very warm welcome you have given me today. I am delighted to have received the invitation to officially open this lovely listed building here in Arvagh.
We hear much talk about Rural Regeneration and Rural Development but here in Arvagh we see the actual fruits of that talk, this is a town in the throes of renewal and revitalisation. Like many similar small towns throughout Ireland, Arvagh suffered serious decline throughout the 1970s and 80s because of its location in a border county. Emigration took its draining toll and the farming community knew a time of awful strains and stresses. But there is a new mood in Arvagh and a much better future ahead thanks to community spirit and people power much of it captured and put to work by Arvagh Area Development Association. Working in partnership with other local organisations and Cavan County Council the Association made sure that development was planned and full use made of funding opportunities through the various Government and EU funded schemes, the International Fund for Ireland and the Rural Renewal Tax Incentive Scheme. The background of an evolving Peace Process made things easier too, of course, and helped fuel a mood of greater hope and confidence. As the clouds of despondency lifted there were those with vision who could see great potential in Arvagh and they began the fulfilling but difficult job of revealing it.
The renovation of the Market House and Square is a fine example of using the past to create a showcase of the future. You can now boast a modern Community Resource Centre, which helps meet the needs of the local people, a courtroom which many would prefer, never to see the inside of, a modern library and an information centre for visitors to this beautiful area blessed with magnificent lakes, great fishing and beautiful unspoilt scenery. The development of holiday homes on the site too will give a huge boost to the local tourism industry, consolidating well into the future all the hope that this development started with.
After many years of planning, fund-raising, sheer hard work and determination, you have taken what was a derelict building and transformed it into a catalyst for community pride and confidence as well as private and public investment in the area. You have shown too that it is possible to overcome rural disadvantage with imagination, determination and effective partnerships. Now you have a legacy of sound achievement, which makes the future a place of adventure and opportunity to be looked forward to.
Congratulations to all those whose work or support, no matter how big or small brought about this transformation not just in bricks and mortar but in the life of a community. You are entitled to be proud today and unafraid of tomorrow.
Thank you once again for inviting me to join with you today on this very special occasion. I wish you well in your endeavours and am delighted to declare the Market House officially open.
Gúim rath agus séan ar bhur gcuid oibre san am atá le teacht. Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.