THE OCCASION OF THE LAUNCH OF THE LIFFORD ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS SCHEME
ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT MARY MCALEESE ON THE OCCASION OF THE LAUNCH OF THE LIFFORD ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS SCHEME
Firstly, let me say how delighted I am with the warmth of the great welcome I have received today at Lifford. I would like to pay a particular tribute to the Guard of Honour under Brigadier General John Martin – and to the Choir for their very musical welcome. I must say that I am delighted to be with you today to “wrap up” a job that was started by my predecessor - Mary Robinson – back in 1992.
Since my arrival in County Donegal yesterday, I have been struck by the great spirit of community and partnership that pervades – a sense of commitment and enthusiasm that is literally transforming the county. That spirit of partnership is mirrored in the cities, towns and villages throughout Ireland. Indeed, a major factor in Ireland’s great economic and social success stems from the partnership approach - which is a feature in so many areas of life. But of course there’s nothing new in this – it always has been a feature of Irish life for neighbour to help neighbour - and friend to help friend - especially when an extra pair of hands were needed. Nowadays not only are “willing hands” welcome, but also open and creative minds with new ideas, to help and support communities as they come together to harness their strengths and talents for the good of all, such as in the parish level support of local development initiatives. There is a new spirit in Ireland – a self-confidence in our abilities – a “can do” philosophy – which is bringing us to new levels of achievement.
The starting point for Lifford came in 1991 when the Lifford Association for Tourism, Commerce and Heritage – or LATCH as it is “catchingly” known! – was set up to explore ways to address what was then a declining town – a town close to the border – and a town that has seen many difficult economic years because of its adverse trading position in comparison to its near neighbour, Strabane. As we can see today, the efforts of LATCH have made a real and noticeable impact on Lifford and its people. The achievements are the result of the involvement, motivation and enthusiasm of all the local people. Recognising that their town has a wealth of history as one of the oldest towns in the country – LATCH saw the great potential for developing the town’s historical attractions as tourist projects – and put together a full programme of restoration and environmental improvements that transformed the town into a place that you can really be proud of.
Great credit is due to the International Fund for Ireland – who put up 50% of the cost of the environmental improvements – and to the Programme for Peace and Reconciliation, Donegal County Council and the Department of the Environment who provided the balance of the funding. That co-operation and assistance is what partnership today is all about.
I know that the Courthouse and Victorian Buildings have already been “officially opened” - and that today marks the completion of the remaining phases. But today is also the beginning of a new phase – a new era which will build on what you have done – starting with the ‘Celebration Event’ being held on next Thursday, Friday and Saturday – involving school children, organised community groups, the general public and the public bodies - in a whole programme of activities using the latest technologies. This event is being made possible by the great support of the IFI – the proprietors of the Cinema in the Lifford-Strabane Cineplex – with the co-operation of the European Regions Network for the Application of Communications Technology - and the Strabane-Lifford Commission – with additional support from the County Enterprise Board and Lifford District Hospital.
The achievements of the partnership here at Lifford are a great tribute to everyone involved. You should all be proud of what has been done – and should be prepared to build on the great success that this work represents. As we approach the new millennium with hope in our hearts for a new beginning in the development of relationships between people and communities in Northern Ireland and on the whole island – there will be opportunities to build new links and partnerships – and to meet new challenges. Lifford has risen to challenges in the past and I know that you will continue to do so in the future.
ENDS