REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE OPENING OF CARNEW SHELTERED HOUSING PROJECT
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE OPENING OF CARNEW SHELTERED HOUSING PROJECT, CO. WICKLOW ON SATURDAY 30 MAY, 1998
I am particularly pleased that you have invited me to be with you today to formally open Phase 3 of your Community Village – and to see what you have achieved in this unique sheltered housing project for the elderly of Carnew and the surrounding area. The original development – inspired by the vision and concern of Fr. Seamus Byrne in 1984 – who said that “the Parish was only as good as the care it gave to its people in need” – has grown since one of my predecessors - Dr. Patrick Hillery – performed the opening of the first 8 houses – just ten and a half years ago. So – in a sense – by opening the final phase of development – I am completing the circle of Presidential involvement in the life of Carnew – and in this project in particular.
Since 1987 – the requirement for more sheltered housing has meant that you have had to build additional housing – with 8 further units and the Day Care Centre opened in 1990 – and now the completion of the ‘village’ with twelve houses – four of which have wheelchair facilities – and an extension to the Day Care Centre. The fact that demand for the facilities at Carnew has increased - is a reflection on the changes that have taken place – both in our society – and in the whole area of health and medical treatment. With smaller families – greater independence – and easier travel – the incidence of elderly people living by themselves has increased considerably. That situation has brought about a new phenomenon where people are living alone in remote areas – with limited access to facilities – and who with increasing age – can suffer from loneliness and fear. The growth also vindicates your early foresight and shrewd planning
The advances in medical science – and the increased life expectancies that they have brought about – mean that the population of elderly people is growing – and with it the requirement to provide for their needs. Happily, it is in caring communities like Carnew – 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 - where they can pool their resources to work for each other. Embarking on a project such as this involves commitment, dedication and effort – in involves new partnerships and linkages between the people of the community and between the community and outside help. This is what community partnerships are all about. All over Ireland, communities are using the partnership model to focus energy and resources on improving their facilities – in making their towns and villages places of which they can be proud. This Community Village is a great achievement for the people of Carnew – a community that has obviously taken a keen interest in its “people in need” – as Fr. O’Byrne put it in 1984 – and which has lived up to his vision. At the heart of this work is not a search for praise or thanks but a defamation to show how the gospel of love can be given practical and real effect.
This completed village is the result of a lot of time, effort and commitment on the part of a lot of people. I have no doubt that this will be a living, vibrant village long into the future – a true community where people live in peace and security – knowing that help is at hand when they need it. It is credit to your energy and generosity. The Carnew Community Care Group have done an excellent job - and I would like also to pay tribute to the many people who assisted them in their work – especially, the Daughters of Charity – whom I understand - have played a very significant role in the development of the project.
In declaring Phase 3 open - I wish you all congratulations and every success with the completed village. I have no doubt that it will prove to be an invaluable asset to Carnew – and an inspiration to many people in other communities to emulate what you have done here.