Speech by the Taoiseach, Mr. Brian Cowen, T.D., during his visit to the Southside Youth Space, "The Factory", Fulflex Youth Centre, Galvone Industrial Estate, on Monday, 28 June, 2010 at 3.30pm
Thank you all for showing me around this wonderfully adapted youth facility.
I must say it's very impressive and I'm not surprised it has become the hub for youth activities in this area. It really has it all, from sports pitches to music studios to meeting and activity rooms.
I am always delighted to visit facilities like this as they remind me of just how far this country has come. Gone are the days of relying on 'dances at the crossroads'. Now this generation get to enjoy 'all singing, all dancing' youth centres, where they can grow and develop a wide range of life skills.
Supporting and developing the youth in Southill is an important objective of the overall regeneration programme. This is just one of a range of temporary and permanent facilities that will provide much needed supports for young people.
Hopefully, I will be invited back to visit the planned Integrated Youth Centre which is to be developed as part of the phase one plans. If the success of "The Factory" is anything to go by, it is bound to be worth the visit.
This exciting new facility is built on partnership - partnership between the state and the community - and it's a great illlustration of what we can achieve when we all work together.
From a Government perspective, I am delighted to note just how many of my colleagues are contributing to making this centre work - Minister Finneran here today has been particularly instrumental in ensuring the necessary funding for the regeneration within his Department - but also the Minster for Justice and the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs.
Special mention must also be made of the Limerick Regeneration Agencies, the Limerick Youth Service and the Probation Service. Their involvement has been critical in getting this project off the ground and in keeping it going.
But most of all, credit must go to the sports clubs, youth clubs and community leaders for their involvement. In my experience, it is communities that give heart to projects like this.
Your energy and your enthusiasm are what makes this project work and it is my hope that young people, particularly those who have felt left out up to recently, will be attracted to come and get maximum use and enjoyment from this unique "Factory"
Thank you.
ENDS.