26th June 2015
There were joyous scenes in Ballyferriter this afternoon as members of the West Kerry Gaeltacht, government Ministers, local councilors, representatives of government bodies, contractors and the design team gathered to witness a momentous day for the Chorca Dhuibhne area.
Lárionad Forbartha Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta is a culmination of years of hard work and planning by the local Comharcumann with the aid of various government departments to see their aspirations for a multidisciplinary hub encompassing administrative, educational and family support facilities to be established in the area.
This morning that aspiration was realised when Minister for the Diaspora, Jimmy Deenihan officially declared the centre open.
Designed by Michael Williams and Associates Architects it is a truly unique building, which pays homage to its spectacular west Kerry surrounds. Contractors Eamon Costello (Kerry) Ltd moved on- site close to Ballyferriter village in September 2013. Initially conditions on site were quiet difficult due to a severe winter in terms of frequency and strength of storms encountered during the winter period. Despite these challenges the site team produced top quality workmanship and delivered the job on- time and within the planned budget.
Speaking following the opening Conall McGearailt Udaras was complimentary to both the design team and the construction team on the delivery of the project. ‘We are very pleased with the overall outcome. The building fits our needs ideally and we were delighted that the whole process with Costello Builders was such a positive construction experience’ Lárionad Forbartha Gaeilge & Gaeltachta cost €3.5 million to develop and was co-funded by Comharchumann Forbartha Chorca Dhuibhne, Údarás na Gaeltachta and the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht. The 1,400 sq. metre development includes a family support centre, pre-school facilities and three enterprise units.
Lárionad Forbartha Gaeilge & Gaeltachta was completed in partnership between the State, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Kerry County Council and community development organisations Comharchumann Forbartha Chorca Dhuibhne and Coiste Ionad Tacaíochta Teaghlaigh Chorca Dhuibhne. The new centre will provide services and facilities for Irish language learning courses.
