It is always a pleasure to come to Cork. And it is a particular pleasure to open Supernova with all that it means for the youth of the Rebel County. And what an apt title Supernova is for this venture. It is vast. It is bright. It is colourful. And it is a wonderful family-orientated facility.
Supernova demonstrates that the spirit of entrepreneurship is alive and well here in Ballincollig. In providing eighty new jobs, it also means good news for the local economy. It reminds us of the many good things that have been happening in Cork City and County in recent years and the significant economic growth and developments that have ensued in this region.
One such development is the Cork Docklands Development Forum. As many of you will be aware, I am also in Cork today to announce details of this landmark project which will play a central role in its economic and cultural future. I am confident that the development of Cork Docklands will further propel Cork forward and enable the City to rival anywhere in Europe.
And talking of rivalling other places in Europe, the array of young people's facilities here at Supernova would be difficult to match. Supernova can even boast the largest permanent synthetic ice rink in Europe. Skating is very popular among children and adults. It is great fun and it is great exercise. If I had a little more practice, I might be tempted to put on the skates myself!
I congratulate Paul Giltinan, Paul Montgomery, Mark McManus and Joe Balfry on providing such a promising and exciting venture for young people - and clearly for the young at heart too! Great planning went into it and I commend you for that. An investment on this scale is a strong vote of confidence in the local economy going forward.
Supernova and all it has to offer, is not the only good thing to come on stream for young people in recent years. There has never been a better time for people to grow up in Ireland. We have never lived through better times. We have unprecedented levels of prosperity. In the South West Region alone, employment has grown by 66,000 in the last seven years.
However, change, no matter how positive, always brings its own set of challenges. Modern sedentary lifestyles and sadly, Ireland's drinking culture, continue to have repercussions on the health of individuals and on the broader community. For that reason, I am happy to welcome the approach adopted by Supernova in providing their facilities.
Keeping active and getting involved in some type of sport is one sure way to stay healthy and strong. But equally, we must continue to get across the message that young people can enjoy themselves most without alcohol. We are among the highest alcohol consumers in Europe. Our drinking habits compare very unfavourably with those in other EU countries. In a report published in the last three weeks by the Health Research Board, there is a reference to a study done this year which shows 54% of Irish respondents binge drink at least once a week. The same report also refers to an earlier study prepared in 2003, which found that 15-16 year olds in this country had the highest frequency of binge drinking of the 35 European countries surveyed.
These findings are of great concern to us all and they require a collective response. Supernova's alcohol free environment demonstrates a very positive and practical response to the issue.
In line with this thinking, the National Recreation Policy for Young People launched in September highlights the Government's commitment to the development of youth cafés. I am very pleased that a number of them are already up and running.
Indeed, aside from Supernova providing a youth friendly and safe environment, the Centre shares many of the guiding principles and core objectives of this Policy. It can be seen particularly in Supernova's family and community-oriented approach.
We have grown increasingly aware of the importance of play in all aspects of children's development - whether it be physically, intellectually or emotionally. It was with this in mind that the Minister for Children launched the National Children's Play Policy - Ready, Steady, Play in 2004. Its purpose is to improve the lives of children by creating more and better public play facilities.
Since its publication, the Government has spent €24 million on improving play infrastructure. We have increased the number of playgrounds around the country from less than 200 to over 400 today, with more in the planning process. Again, Supernova's array of facilities is in line with this policy.
The Centre is all about choice. The activities are fun. They are stimulating. They are developmental. And they provide a great way to meet new friends and have quality time out with family.
Supernova would be any young person's dream. But thanks to the vision of management and staff at this Centre, it has become reality for the youth of Cork. You deserve every success with the venture and I would like to wish those who use it many happy days of fun, exercise and sheer pleasure.
Thank you.
ENDS.