Newcastle West welcomes the President
A LARGE cross-section of the Newcastle West community were on hand to greet President Mary McAleese when she arrived in the town to officially open the mutli-million euro Desmond Ability Resource Complex on Tuesday.
Hundreds of locals of all ages squeezed into the facility to be a part of a piece of local history, which marked the culmination of almost 16 years of community fundraising, planning and volunteer work.
Addressing the crowd that had gathered in the main functional hall, President McAleese said that the facility was "without an equal anywhere in the country".
"There are so many things going on under this roof. From the moment you come in the door, that label 'ability' says everything. If ever there was a building that was responsible for the people who use it, it is this."
Liam Woulfe of the Desmond Complex committee said that Tuesday was a "milestone" in the development of the €3.3 million facility, of which only €100,000 is left outstanding in debt.
"This facility is a milestone in the journey to achieving the dreams and objectives of the small group of people who first got together in 1993 to see what they could do to improve access for people with disabilities in the West Limerick communities," he said.
"This Desmond Complex has been born out of well-meaning, focussed volunteerism. Initially financed by monthly draws, which succeeded because of our very committed 40 or so promoters who shared the vision, aspirations and determination. Today these promoters and members can justifiably be very proud of the fruit of their efforts."
President McAleese and her husband Dr Martin McAleese received a tour of the complex and met with a number of people who use its facilities, including the creche and day centre for the elderly.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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