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Church-run Carraig Centre hailed for inclusion as it expands to serve even more Cork residents
The people behind a church-run community building that became a hub for Ukrainians in Cork have been hailed for their social inclusion work, as the property is set to undergo major works to cater to even more people.
Tánaiste Simon Harris visited the Church of Ireland's Carraig Centre in Ballincollig on Friday for a briefing on the work, which is benefiting from government funding set up to recognise communities that helped welcome newcomers.
The centre, run by the Carrigrohane Union of Parishes as a church, parish, and community centre, already hosts a range of groups and activities — from church and prayer groups, the HSE, the ICA, and the Montforts, to music and art lessons and birthday parties. Enable Ireland also provides adult day services for service users in the area from the centre.
However, the building has become a key social hub for Ukrainians who fled the war and settled in Cork, and is now the home of the Ukrainian community choir of Cork, Kalyna, which has gone on to perform at the Cork Choral Festival.
Tánaiste Simon Harris speaking at the Carraig Centre. Picture: Brian Lougheed
The Carraig Centre secured €185,000 over three tranches of the Department of Rural and Community Development's Community Recognition Fund, which was set up to support the development of community infrastructure and facilities in recognition of the work being done to welcome and host new arrivals from Ukraine and other countries.
It also secured €2m in grant funding from the Department of Justice's now-closed Immigrant Investor Programme to cover the major refurbishment costs. The funding will cover:
The installation of flexible wall partitions to create adaptable internal spaces for community groups;
The construction of a walkway canopy to connect the existing east wing of the centre, which is currently being refurbished, ensuring all-weather access;
The refurbishment of the west wing to create additional community space.
Lord Mayor Cllr Fergal Dennehy welcomed the government's commitment to community development in and across the city.
'The Carraig Centre is a professional, well managed, shared space that is open to all for the improvement of the quality of life for the people of Ballincollig and beyond,' he said.
'I would like to congratulate the Carrigrohane Union of Parishes on the progressive path they have taken in sharing this community facility way beyond their church community as an exemplar of social inclusion and community development.'
The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Fergal Dennehy with Danielle Kelly and Emma Leahy, service owners at Enable Ireland. Picture: Brian Lougheed
Rebecca Loughry, a director of services in the city council's Corporate, Community and Cultural Affairs directorate, said the Carraig Centre has consistently supported local community groups and the Ukrainian choir.
'This is an excellent example of what the Community Recognition Fund is all about in terms of enhancing services for all communities, new and established,' she said.
'It further adds to our commitment to enhancing and ensuring Cork city's reputation as a 'city of welcomes' which can be shared by all.'
Tánaiste Simon Harris was greeted by the Rector of the Carrigrohane Union of Parishes and the Carraig Centre, Canon Robert Ferris and Rebecca Loughrey, Director of Services, Corporate, Community and Culture Affairs, Cork City Council. Picture: Brian Lougheed
Canon Robert Ferris, rector of Carrigrohane Union of Parishes, described Friday's visit by the Tánaiste as an important milestone, bringing together many of the people — including those from national and local government, their staff, and users of the centre — who have helped them reach this point.
'We look forward to serving the community to which we are called and continuing to build upon the rock (Carraig) solid foundations in the months and years ahead," he said.
The construction work will continue through the summer with minimal disruption to its wide range of community services.
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