MARY ROBINSON ON THE OCCASION OF THE OPENING OF THE S.H.A.R.E. VOLUNTARY HOUSING PROJECT
MOUNT ST. JOSEPH, BLARNEY STREET, CORK, ON 23 NOVEMBER, 1993
- I am delighted to be here today on the kind invitation of S.H.A.R.E. to officially open this Voluntary Housing Scheme which contains 42 units of accommodation for the elderly as well as communal facilities.
- The undertaking of a project such as this requires a great degree of expertise, enthusiasm and commitment. Indeed, this is another example of the outstanding work being carried out by S.H.A.R.E. Twenty three years ago a group of twelve students erected a crib in the city centre and held a thirty hour fast to highlight the plight of the elderly poor of the city. The fact that S.H.A.R.E. now has sixteen hundred student members from 21 post primary schools and has provided accommodation for over 200 people shows the extent to which it has grown and the support it has received from the people of Cork. You can all be proud of your achievements.
- S.H.A.R.E. have recognised that, like everyone else, the elderly are entitled to decent housing. Unfortunately it is sometimes forgotten that many of the benefits we take for granted today we would not have but for those who are now our senior citizens. We, therefore, owe them a debt of gratitude and it is important to acknowledge this by striving to ensure that they are always treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. This project and the fact that the energy behind it came from so many young people is a particularly good way of paying tribute to them.
- It also demonstrates very effectively the extent to which the common good can be served by the kind of spirit and generosity that has seen this project through from conception to finality. It is very encouraging to witness the development of these attributes in communities throughout the country as they harness the potential in their midst to make substantial social progress.
- It is true that money is an essential prerequisite to many worthy initiatives but for initiatives to succeed there is a need for strong social commitment. Much can be and is being achieved by cultivating more caring attitudes towards disadvantaged groups and by developing practical community based responses to their needs. The expansion of the voluntary movement in recent years in so many areas of activity and the weight of responsibility it is now prepared to take on, as evidenced by this major undertaking, is a very encouraging sign that our society is developing in a very positive way; that it has values and that we care for our people.
- The State has contributed to this project through Cork Corporation under the Department of the Environment's Voluntary Housing Scheme, a scheme which promotes co-operation between voluntary groups, state and local authorities in the provision of effective solutions to particular housing needs. This is another type of relationship that helps to make the best use of resources, where the enormous goodwill, knowledge and energy of voluntary groups is brought to bear in partnership with statutory agencies to provide the best possible service for those who need it.
- In conclusion I would like to thank all the many people who contributed financially, or otherwise, to the project; the statutory bodies for their guidance and assistance; the architects and contractors who planned and built it and, in particular, the Presentation Brothers who, very generously, donated the land and property involved. Special thanks and congratulations must, however, go to S.H.A.R.E. without whose inspiration and concern for their fellow man, we would not be celebrating this project today.
- I wish them well in their future endeavours. Their work does not stop here; it is an ongoing process which requires continuing determination, commitment and effort. Finally, to the residents of these dwellings, I say good health and a happy stay in your new homes which I now have the pleasure of declaring officially open.