Press release
Minister Joe O’Brien officially opens the Creeslough Community Links Hub
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
Minister of State for Community Development, Integration and Charities Joe O’Brien has today officially opened the Creeslough Community Links Hub. This once derelict building is now a community hub, bringing together residents, businesses, and organisations to share resources, ideas and support the Creeslough community.
Speaking in the Creeslough Community Links Hub, Minister O’Brien said:
“You have transformed a derelict building into a place of shared aspirations and collective efforts. I have no doubt this community hub will continue to serve as a sanctuary for healing, a hub for support and a symbol of your collective strength for many years to come. I am confident that the community spirit here in Creeslough will allow you to continue your journey, all the time remembering those families that have lost ten precious loved ones and the injured, whose lives were altered forever.”
Minister O’Brien unveiled the plaque, naming the Hub; “Creeslough Community Links Hub”. The community now has access to information, supports and services within their own trusted community resource.
In March 2023, the Community Together Initiative (CTI) was awarded almost €500,000 by the Department of Rural and Community Development to support their ongoing work. The CTI team works with and consults with the wider Creeslough community, supporting the recovery and sustained growth of the Creeslough community.
The Minister said:
“My focus as Minister with responsibility for Community Development is on strengthening community resilience and supporting the continued sense of unity that is evident here in the this community. It is important that the community itself work together and decide on the way forward. The Creeslough Together Initiative team, made up of local people, informed by the community and community organisations, are gently leading the way for the people of Creeslough and all those affected by the tragedy.”
The Minister concluded:
“It is an honour for me to stand before you as we come together here in this Community Hub, to remember those families who have lost loved ones and to those families who lives were changed forever through injury. I have witnessed first-hand, the spirit, the resilience and the unity that exists in your community, I hope together you can rebuild a community that thrives on love, compassion and shared memories.”
The Creeslough Together Initiative (CTI) will be delivered over a three year period from Quarter 2 - 2023 to Quarter 2 - 2026. The CTI will work with and have ongoing consultative input from the wider Creeslough community in supporting the recovery of, and sustained growth of the Creeslough Community.
The project is based in the Creeslough Community Links Hub and employs a number of key staff including a full time Community Links Worker and a part time Administrator.
The work of the CTI is rooted in the principles of both Community Development and Trauma Informed Community work. These twin track approaches will build on the ongoing work of the key support agencies and the local community response.
The Creeslough Community Association (CCA), which has been operational for the past decade as a key driver of development within the community, oversees the work of the CTI team. Other key partners include Donegal Local Development CLG (DLDC), Donegal Youth Service, the HSE and other support agencies / services at a local, regional and national level who will be critical in the delivery of various aspects of the project.
The overall cost of the project is estimated at approximately €500,000 over three years, with funding used to employ and train staff, provide equipment and resource small scale community development projects.