Sinn Féin TD for Waterford, Conor D. McGuinness, has reiterated his call for a dedicated community centre for Dungarvan, highlighting the strong community need and demographic case for such a facility.
Deputy McGuinness was speaking following a meeting hosted by Waterford Area Partnership this week at Dungarvan Enterprise Centre, attended by Junior Minister Jerry Buttimer, where local community groups outlined the urgent need for a properly resourced community centre in the town.
“Dungarvan is a growing town with a strong, active community sector – but it is badly lacking a dedicated, accessible community space that can serve all of the people of the town and its hinterland,” Deputy McGuinness said.
In addition to being the local TD McGuinness is also the main opposition spokesperson on Rural Affairs, Community Development and the Gaeltacht. He welcomed his counterpart in Government junior minister Jerry Buttimer to Dungarvan, and thanked him for listening to the voice of local people.
“I have been campaigning for years for a community centre for Dungarvan, and have raised the need for capital investment directly with Waterford City and County Council, and with the Department of Rural and Community Development. Earlier this month I made a detailed submission to the ongoing feasibility study, setting out a clear case for action.”
“In my submission, I outlined the strong demographic need, and emphasised the importance of designing a centre that is fully accessible, autism-friendly, bilingual, and inclusive. I also proposed the possibility of co-locating a Family Resource Centre, ensuring that key services are brought together in a modern, accessible space that is truly a hub for the whole community.”
Deputy McGuinness stressed the importance of proper design:
“It is vital that any new centre provides own-door access for main tenants such as the Women’s Shed and other community organisations, and that it includes flexible, multi-use spaces that are open and accessible to all groups and individuals in the community.”
He concluded:
“Our town deserves a facility that matches the energy, commitment and ambition of its people. I will continue to work with local groups, the Council, and the Department to ensure that Dungarvan gets the community centre it badly needs.”
Conor D. McGuinness TD 