President opens Fatima community centre
Tuesday, 3 November 2009 12:33President Mary McAleese has officially opened the new community centre at Fatima/Herberton in Dublin, as part of a ceremony marking the completion of the physical regeneration of the area formerly known as Fatima Mansions.
The entire project has taken over 12 years to complete, and has cost around €250m, funded through public/private partnership.
It involved the demolition of the 300-flat complex, which had been blighted in recent decades by anti-social behaviour, drug abuse and poverty.
Over 600 new houses and apartments have been constructed, along with a crèche, enterprise units and shops in their place.
A pitch, state of the art community centre, swimming pool, a dedicated youth area for homework clubs and afterschool projects have also been built.
Speaking at the launch Joe Donohoe, Fatima Groups United, urged the Government not to cut funding to the agencies which will be central to the continued success of the project.
Mr Donohoe said he was concerned that cuts to the Family Support Agency, Community Employment Scheme and other initiatives could have a serious impact on the future sustainability of the scheme.
