An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, T.D., was in Donegal today to officially open Craoibhín An Tearmann, the new Termon Community Enterprise Centre. The project was co-funded by a number of organisations including the Officer of the Minster for Children, Roinn na Gaeltachta, Údarás na Gaeltachta, and the International Fund for Ireland. Craoibhín is a €2.6m Community Enterprise Centre comprising of a childcare facility, sports hall, gymnasium, computer suite and five enterprise units.  Construction began on the Centre in November 2007 and was completed in December 2008. Three independent businesses are now operating from the Centre – Fit Club Gym run by Nigel Drain, Sports Injury Clinic run by Donal Gallagher, and Simple Retail Systems run by Michael Doyle. Speaking at the official opening ceremony, An Taoiseach, Mr. Brian Cowen T.D., said: “On behalf of Roinn na Gaeltachta and the Office of the Minister for Children, I am delighted to be here today to open the Termon Community and Enterprise Centre.  I would like to commend all those involved for their vision and hard work in seeing this project through to completion. It is testament to what can be achieved by a community’s enthusiasm and determination.” Representing the International Fund for Ireland, Mr. Paddy Harte, IFI Senior Development Officer, said: “The International Fund for Ireland are delighted to have provided funding for this worthy project as part of the Fund’s Rural Development programme. The opening of this centre is a confirmation of community spirit, exemplifying what can be achieved by working together. One of the main priorities of the Fund is the engagement with the community sector in innovative and pioneering work which will further build the capacity of the community and help create the conditions to enhance cross-community and cross-border interaction. The opening of this centre will make an enormous difference to the lives of the people of Termon and the surrounding rural communities.” Liam Ó Cuinneagáin, Chairman of Údarás na Gaeltachta, said: “Craoibhín is an excellent facility and we in Údarás na Gaeltachta are delighted to able support such a vibrant project. Great credit is due to Comhlacht Forbartha an Tearmainn for promoting this project from day one and certainly this community and enterprise centre will enhance employment and enterprise in the Tearmann area.”Noreen Trearty, Chairperson of the Termon Community Enterprise Centre, said, “We are delighted to be welcoming the Taoiseach to Donegal to officially open Craoibhín, the Community Enterprise Centre in Termon.  It has taken three years hard work to get here, and we hope he will be impressed by what he sees. The centre currently has an array of activities running, including dance, drama, arts, yoga, jujitsu, football, fitness training and computer courses. There are 3 self employed businesses now operating from Craoibhin and the centre itself employs 3 full time and 5 part time staff.  We would like to thank our funders, The Office of Minister for Children & Youth Affairs, Roinn na Gaeltachta, Údarás na Gaeltachta and the International Fund for Ireland for all their support and commitment in helping us to bring this project to fruition, and finally, to thank all those in the community that have contributed in any way to help build Craoibhín.”

Click here to download press release: 215.50 Kb