Worthy praise for Castlebar Social Services staff and volunteers
Castlebar Social Services Centre has been official opened following an investment of €700,000 in the facility.
The ceremony was performed by Kevin Kelly, chief executive of Mayo Couny Council, with Fr. Conal Eustace, P.P., Castlebar, blessing the premises at Castle Street car park.
In his address, Mr. Kelly extended sincere congratulations to all involved with the organisation and recognised the effort that has to be put in to deliver the project as well as providing vital services that are co-ordinated from the centre.
He singled out Pat Leyden, chairman, Deirdre Waldron, manager, and the members of the board.
“This extension, including lift access, new foyer and dayroom represents an important investment of approximately €700,000 in the social services offering in Castlebar.
"Leader funding contributed €292,000 to that overall spend.
“Since it re-opened in September this year the demand for its services has grown and we know that this will continue to be the case into the future.
“Mayo County Council has been supportive of the centre through the Castlebar Municipal District and one of our elected members, Councillor Ger Deere, is a member of the board.
“I acknowledge the continued excellent work done by the staff at Castlebar Social Services.
"The centre provides an invaluable range of service to the community of Castlebar and its environs.”
Mr. Kelly highlighted the work and efforts of volunteers in providing a variety of services at the centre.
“The benefits their efforts provide to the citizens of Castlebar cannot be overstated.
"This has been particularly the case over the past two years which have been extremely difficult for many sectors of our society.
“Volunteering is at the heart of community life and helping others and giving time to your community, while a big commitment, can be a very rewarding experience.
“We need to take every opportunity to recognise this voluntary effort both by board members and those involved in service delivery and we all know that this voluntary effort is the glue that holds much of our society together and I say a big thank you for your hard work over the years.”
He acknowledged the workmanship of the main contractors, Mountain View Securities, and all of those who contributed to the building
“Castlebar is a modern and vibrant town at the heart of the county, serving a wide catchment area.
"This investment is most welcome and the development here at the centre is an asset to a town that deserves top quality facilities.”
Other speakers included Mr. Leyden, Ms. Waldron, Councillor Al McDonnell of the Local Community Development Committee, Mayo County Council, and Sabina Trench, chief executive officer, South West Mayo Development Company.
The work of the late P.J. Nally, a former Castlebar Social Services chairman, in progressing the organisation was recalled during the course of the ceremony and the new day room is named in his honour.