THE OCCASION OF THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF MOUNTWOOD AND FITZGERALD PARK RESOURCE CENTRE
SPEAKING NOTES FOR THE PRESIDENT, MARY ROBINSON, 7TH DECEMBER, 1993
- I have been looking forward with considerable interest and anticipation to today's visit to see at first hand the Mountwood and Fitzgerald Park Resource Centre. The opening of this new Centre represents an important milestone in the social development of the Mountwood and Fitzgerald Park area.
- As President, I have had the pleasure of visiting a number of such Resource Centres around the country. I have found that despite many obvious similarities between them, there exists subtle differences which gives each Centre its own distinct character and ethos.
- Many people would have some difficulty in concisely describing what a resource centre does and what it represents. This is, I believe, quite understandable given that they are a relatively new phenomenon and the diversity of roles that these Centres play.
- Probably the most accurate way of describing what a Resource Centre does is by outlining the type of services usually to be found in such centres. As in the case of Mountwood and Fitzgerald Park, the services provided cater for a wide spectrum of people, of all ages and backgrounds. These services however can vary considerably from centre to centre
depending on local needs, resources and circumstances.
- A characteristic common to all Centres is the opportunity they provide for people from all walks of life to enjoy or better themselves in some way and participate more fully as citizens of their community. This applies irrespective of whether one is involved in running the Centre or availing of its services because both ultimately depend upon and complement the other.
- A Resource Centre can mean different things to different people and even an individual's perception of it can vary from time to time or depend on specific circumstances.
- The play area in this facility would have an important significance for a young child whereas adolescents would be attracted towards the many interesting youth programmes. The various services directed at adults range from those seeking advancement or enjoyment to those requiring assistance with difficulties of whatever nature. A Resource Centre portrays virtually any positive element you care to mention - progress, hope, joy, achievement, concern for others and self-reliance. It is, in effect, a microcosm of activity and expressions, all interwoven into a complex but unified entity of purpose.
- The aims which this Centre has set itself are ambitious. Much preparatory work has been undertaken by the management committee and it is with great satisfaction that I note that many of the important goals have already been achieved. These include, to name but a few, the refurbishment of the premises, the provision of a playground and multi-sport area and the establishment of a Citizens Information Centre.
- Many of the voluntary and statutory organisations involved have developed locally a range of important social initiatives which have been of enormous practical assistance to those who use them. Now their experience and expertise is collectively available here and I'm sure it will be greatly appreciated by the growing number of people who will use this resource centre.
- All of the activities and facilities serve to strengthen the community as a whole and to tighten the bonds which draw people together in mutual respect and understanding. The Centre's philosophy of being locally orientated ensures that there is an appreciation and awareness of the particular needs of the area and that the various organisations involved can respond appropriately to those needs. It draws on the dynamism of its own community and seeks to foster the concept of self reliance insofar as possible. It acts as a focal point for local people from all walks of life and provides individuals with an opportunity to join together to identify their needs or to find solutions to particular problems.
- The Centre can also be a source of advice, comfort and relaxation that may not easily be found elsewhere. Where the opportunity exists to gather together, to feel less isolated and to share new skills and ideas, people come to recognise more fully their own abilities and set about developing them. Often, new horizons people never knew previously existed are opened up and the potential for personal development through sharing increases considerably. The achievement to date of this Resource Centre and its ambitious plans for the future say much for the abilities and strengths of the people of Mountwood and Fitzgerald Park.
- One aspect of the concept of Resource Centres that I find particularly interesting and encouraging is that they are an excellent example of the symbiotic relationship that can exist between the statutory and voluntary sectors. Such is the case here in Mountwood and Fitzgerald Park. I am convinced that such community-based partnerships is one way of ensuring real progress within our society.
- I would also like to acknowledge the important contribution being made by local volunteers. Much of the work of the Centre is done by local people who give up their time on a regular basis to assist in the running of the Centre. In some cases they have undergone extensive preparatory work to help them deal effectively with the considerable and varied workload. The commitment and enthusiasm of these volunteers is remarkable and I would like to take this opportunity to publicly acknowledge their invaluable work.
- In conclusion, I would like to again congratulate everybody who has been associated in any way with this project and to wish the Centre every success in future years. I strongly urge that it be fully supported by all people in the locality and that maximum use be made of its significant services and resources. You may rest assured of my wholehearted encouragement and support for the work being carried out here which espouses the highest values and ideals.
- It now gives me great pleasure to declare open the new Mountwood and Fitzgerald Park Resource Centre.