THE OCCASION OF THE OPENING OF TEMPERANCE HALL, ABBEYLEIX, CO. LAOIS
SPEAKING NOTES FOR THE PRESIDENT, MARY ROBINSON, ON 10 NOVEMBER, 1993.
- I am very happy indeed to have this opportunity to visit Abbeyleix and to officially open Temperance Hall.
- The building, which was virtually a ruin when work commenced, has now been completely restored. I am sure you will all agree that the restoration of the building owes much to the ambition and drive of the people involved in its restoration.
- I wish to pay tribute to Abbeyleix Parish Employment Committee, who some years ago expressed an interest in restoring the Hall, which is part of the architectural heritage of the town. At the time, I am sure that it took great courage to undertake such a daunting task.
- The Committee, with the assistance of FÅS, underpinned the foundations of the Hall. The building has been re-roofed and completely refurbished. I also notice the work presently being carried out in developing a Town Park beside the premises which will further enhance the area.
- I know that FÅS are particularly proud of their association with the work here in this building. Over the past two years more than twenty young people have benefited from training on this project and have acquired skills and internationally recognised certification in the process while at the same time renovating and restoring this fine premises.
- I understand that the Committee proposes to use Temperance Hall to house the local Citizens Information Centre as a local museum and for use as meeting rooms for community groups. I was particularly pleased to hear that part of the building, comprising a kitchenette and meeting room, will be made available to the Senior Citizens of the area for use as a social centre, as part of the committee's programme for the European Year of Older People.
- The restoration of the Hall is ample evidence of the great pride that you take in your heritage and Abbeyleix has very rightly been designated a heritage town by Bord Fáilte, as one of the finest examples of an estate town in Ireland. When funds become available from the European Regional Development Fund through Bord Fáilte, the town will have an opportunity to develop an estate town theme which will be of great interest to visitors.
- I applaud the voluntary efforts of the members of the Abbeyleix Heritage Company. Working closely with Bord Fáilte, Laois County Council and, of course, with the support of the business community and the people of Abbeyleix, they are well advanced with their plans to develop a heritage centre and heritage town trail which will encourage many travellers on the Cork-Dublin route to stop and spend some time in Abbeyleix. The de Vesci gardens and the nearby Heywood gardens will be added attractions to visitors.
- Abbeyleix Tidy Towns Committee have been making steady progress in the competition in recent years. The designation of the town as a heritage town will obviously encourage even greater community effort to improve the overall presentation of the town.
- I congratulate all of the local groups who are working so hard to enhance the amenities of the town. This widespread voluntary commitment is reflected in the success of this project. The project demonstrates a real partnership between Abbeyleix Parish Employment Committee, as a local voluntary community group, FÅS and the local authority in undertaking a community development project which received the financial support of the local community. The co-operation and enthusiasm of the members of the committee and the dedication of the many unemployed men, women, boys and girls who were involved has ensured that the Temperance Hall has now been fully restored. The Committee can be very proud of their achievements and I am sure that the Community will derive great benefit from this fine building for many years to come.