REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE LAUNCH OF A NEW HOUSING SCHEME
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE LAUNCH OF A NEW HOUSING SCHEME FOR NENAGH VOLUNTARY HOUSING ON SATURDAY 4 JULY, 1998
I am particularly pleased that you have invited me to be with you today to formally open this new housing scheme – and to see what you have done in this unique project for people in need of housing in Nenagh. When you consider what has been achieved in the short number of years since Sr. Bernard Quigley originally brought a number of local people together in 1991 – it is an inspiration to see how local effort – local talent and energy – can gather the support from agencies and individuals to bring the project to where it is today.
The initial acquisition of a house which was renovated for a homeless family – was the achievement that spurred you on to reach for higher goals. So often – in the villages, cities and towns that I have visited since my inauguration – I have seen how even the smallest communities can come together – can build on the smallest successes – and can use the experience and confidence gained in the process to reach out for new horizons. The Nenagh Voluntary Housing Association have discovered that power and confidence – and it has resulted in the completion of this new ‘village’ with nine houses – which will give homes to small families, lone parents, the elderly – and also for the disabled, who have been specially catered for in two of the houses.
The fact that demand for the facilities has increased - is a reflection on the changes that have taken place in our society. With smaller families – greater expectations of independence – and elderly people living by themselves – there is an increasing risk of people being isolated and unable to cope – where a temporary difficulty can turn into a long-term nightmare. Happily, it is in caring places like Nenagh – where people see that the community has a role to play in helping those who are vulnerable – and who are willing and ready to take on the task of meeting their needs – that people are allowed to live their lives with dignity – and with a sense of independence and security.
Projects such as this are never easy to complete - but perseverance and hard work pays off. It is – I think - a sign of a healthy community – where people are prepared to row in - to lend their support and energy – and where they can pool their resources to work for each other. Embarking on these projects involves commitment, dedication and effort – in involves new partnerships and linkages between the people of the community and outside help. As I said, all over Ireland, people are using the partnership model to channel local energy, talent and resources into improving their communities – providing amenities and facilities that they themselves deem necessary – and addressing the needs of those who have found themselves caught in the traps of poverty or isolation.
This housing scheme is a great achievement for the people of Nenagh – a community that has obviously taken a keen interest in its “people in need”. At the heart of this work is not a search for praise or thanks - but a demonstration of how the gospel of love can be given practical and real effect in a community. It is the result of a lot of time, effort and commitment on the part of a lot of people – and it is credit to your energy and generosity.
The Association has done an excellent job - and I would like to pay tribute to the many people who assisted them in their work – especially, Nenagh urban District Council – who provided the sites at nominal cost and have continued to support the Association – Tipperary North Riding County Council – the local business community and the ordinary people of Nenagh who have given financial support – and the Department of the Environment.
I would like to pay particular tribute to Sr. Bernard – who ignited the initial spark of interest – Archdeacon Hogan, your Parish Priest who – along with the Sisters of the Convent of Mercy – provided the initial funding for the Association. Of course, none of this would have been possible if it were not for the commitment and dedication of the Committee of the Association. These houses stand as a tribute to their work and their willingness to pool their talents and resources to work for their own community. That willingness to give – to lend your support – and to use your individual skills – whether as an accountant, an engineer, a builder – or as someone who is simply prepared to work for those who need help – is what makes a community healthy and vibrant. I commend all of you on what you have done – and I hope that you can continue to provide the support and assistance to those in your community that are in need.
In launching this new housing scheme - I wish you all congratulations and every success - and I have no doubt that it will prove to be an invaluable asset to Nenagh – and an inspiration to many people in other communities to emulate what you have done here.