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McBRIDE EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT CENTRE - DRIMNAGH VISIT BY HER EXCELLENCY, MARY ROBINSON

McBRIDE EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT CENTRE - DRIMNAGH VISIT BY HER EXCELLENCY, MARY ROBINSON, ON TUESDAY, 27TH AUGUST, 1996

The McBride Centre was established in 1993 by a group of local people who identified a 'need' in the area - to provide a range of services for the unemployed and lone-parents of Dublin 12 which would allow access to employment opportunities. Their research indicated that there was and still is no similar community service in this area of 6,000 unemployed.

- A committee was established comprising local community representatives who set about formally setting up the McBride Employment Development Centre. Grants were received from local groups such as Smiths Building Supplies, Guinness Ireland and the Department of Social Welfare. Now that the KWCD Partnership (Kimmage/Walkinstown/Crumlin/Drimnagh) is established they are also seeking assistance from them. The committee set about securing premises and acquired offices above the Credit Union in Galytmore Road, a location not only central to Drimnagh but accessible to the greater Dublin 12 area (Kimmage, Crumlin and Walkinstown).

- In 1995 application was made to FÁS for assistance under the Community Employment Programme. Approval was granted for 16 workers for a 2 year period.

- The Centre is managed, operated and staffed through FÁS workers, all of whom are local people. These people are receiving valuable work-experience in a front-line social services organisation and will also benefit from training.

- Services provided include:

- Provision of a CV service

- Information services for the unemployed

- Discuss/Advice re career and training options

- Formulation of service package for employers

- Job placement

- The availability of the McBride Employment Development facility certainly adds to the quality of life for the unemployed and lone-parents of Dublin 12. Access to the Community Employment Scheme allows the sponsor to effectively fulfil and implement objectives outlined in their constitution.