Description: Laurencetown, Lenaderg and Tullylish Community Association have successfully sought funding from PSEPII for the refurbishment of Laurencetown Old Primary School as a Community Centre. The present building, situated centrally in the village in Laurencetown, is in a poor state of repair, has suffered from vandalism and is regarded by some locals as an eyesore. This disadvantaged area had had no public spending in living memory. The Centre will benefit the inhabitants of the catchment area without distinction of age, sex, race, political, religious or other opinion by associating all persons and organisations in a common effort to advance education and social welfare. The Centre will provide a neutral venue where the community can congregate for the purpose of self help initiatives to tackle local need by encouraging and supporting local people to have ideas and to organise activities which will all promote and facilitate reconciliation within the area. The socially excluded groups in the community such as women, youth, senior citizens, and long term unemployed, single parents, farmers etc will be encouraged to use the centre and are actively involved in the Committee. Youth from all backgrounds will have a neutral venue for activities such as peer education seminars (e.g. drugs, health issues), homework club and social interaction. Long term unemployed will have a local meeting place for mutual encouragement and support and, along with senior citizens and women, will be able to avail of education and training.
It is perceived that a project of this nature will not only break
down barriers but will prove an incentive to economic growth in
the area. Accordingly we have no doubt that the provision of
a Centre such as this will not only further the work of promoting
and improving community relations within the area but hopefully
highlight the district as a potentially favourable and desirable
one for economic investment. We are hoping that the refurbishment
of Laurencetown Old School will be completed by Christmas 1997.
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