TÁNAISTE CONGRATULATES FÁS DUBLIN WEST AND KILDARE REGIONAL COMMUNITY INITIATIVE AWARD WINNERS

Mary Harney, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment congratulated the winners of the FÁS Dublin West and Kildare Regional Community Initiative Awards, who were presented with their awards at a ceremony today (Monday, 6th July 1998) in the Green Isle Hotel, Naas Road, Dublin. Details of the winners are outlined in the Notes for Editors.

The Community Initiative Awards, which are now in their sixth year, are designed to acknowledge the quality, depth and extent of work being undertaken at local level.

Congratulating the winners the Tánaiste said "The concept of providing training and employment through community based projects and developing a partnership between FÁS and local community interests is at the centre of the Community Initiative Awards. I believe that this partnership has great potential for the future and will play a vital role in our society."

"There are over 3000 FÁS sponsored community projects throughout the country and their economic and social impact is considerable. Community projects also make a significant contribution in encouraging income generation, employment creation and improved community services," said the Tánaiste.

There are over 300 FÁS sponsored community projects in the Dublin West and Kildare area.

The activities of the community projects range from the construction, restoration and renovation of buildings and in particular the transformation of old buildings into heritage and cultural centres with a direct link to tourism related projects, to projects that are providing community services such as information, advice and recreational facilities.

The awards were made in three categories: Community Enterprise- projects which encourage income generation and employment prospects; Community Services - projects aimed at augmenting community services including provision of information, advice, sport and recreation services; and Environmental Heritage- projects involving the creation or development of genealogical research, theatre groups, artistic endeavour, community building and leisure amenities.

Paying tribute to the winners the Tánaiste said "I would like to congratulate all who participated in the competition and in particular the award winners. Their dedication, commitment and hard work in contributing to community development is very evident. The work of community groups are an example of the inspiring work carried out by the voluntary sector throughout the country, which is of great benefit both to participants and to those who will benefit either directly or indirectly as a result of this work".

The FÁS Dublin West and Kildare Regional Community Initiative Award winners are:

Community Enterprise Category: Get Tallaght Working (Social Economy Unit) Established in January 1997 Get Tallaght Working provides support and and advice to community business, social enterprises, and co-operative operating in the Dublin 24 area.

Community Services Category: Muintir Chrónáin (Clondalkin) Established in 1972 as a community based voluntary organisation Muintir Chrónáin is located at Arás Chrónáin, Cluain Dolcáin and promotes Irish Language, education, music, dancing, and Irish Culture in the wider Clondalkin area.

Environmental/Heritage Category: Dublin Heritage Group (Ballyfermot) Established in 1989 and currently operating out of Ballyfermot Public Library, the group are working on the compilation of a database of Parish Registers of all denominations for Dublin City.

Special Merit Award: Cara Cheshire House (Chapelizod) Opened in 1974, Cara Cheshire House provides permanent residential accommodation for 32 physically disabled adults. The project is assisted through a FÁS community Employment Programme and currently there are 21 participants on the programme.