TÁNAISTE OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES AREA DEVELOPMENT PLAN OF THE PORTARLINGTON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

Mary Harney, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment today (Thursday 10th December, 1998) officially launched the Area Development Plan of the Portarlington Community Development Association in the Arlington Tower Hotel, Portarlington.

Speaking at the launch the Tánaiste commended all those involved in this initiative. She noted that both FAS and the Laois County Enterprise Board, operating under the aegis of her Department, were assisting in developing the plans to see Portarlington into the next millennium.

The Tánaiste commended the Community Employment project sponsored by the Development Association on the high level of progression by participants into jobs in the open labour market. The Tánaiste said that "those involved in sponsoring the Community Employment project have a record to be proud of in areas such as environmental works, education, culture and sport and have built up an excellent partnership with local state agencies and organisations."

The Tánaiste emphasised that "achievements demonstrate that local groups working together in partnership with state agencies make a difference and can deliver real solutions to local problems." She also identified how "the urban landscape had been greatly enhanced by the joint approach of combining the Urban and Village Renewal Programme with Community Employment."

The Tánaiste suggested that Portarlington was well located strategically to take advantage of new opportunities being created by the increase in employment and wealth in our society. She highlighted the fact that it was rapidly expanding as a commuter base served by fourteen trains to and from Dublin each day.

Concluding the Tánaiste thanked all those "in Portarlington who played a part in the drafting of this excellent Development Plan and wished them every success in the future."