Ireland’s largest housing association, Respond! has re-opened O’ Loughlin Court Community Centre following an extensive refurbishment funded by Kilkenny County Council.
The doors of the new centre were officially opened by Pat Cogan, chief executive officer of Respond! on Wednesday, March 11 2009 at 4pm.
Sarah Barron, Kilkenny community development officer with Respond! said that she is delighted that this new modern facility will be available to residents of O’ Loughlin Court.
“Respond! hopes this new centre will become the heart of the community. We already provide activities and services for the youth of O’ Loughlin Court but we hope to engage with our other residents in the future. Respond! aims to offer recreational activities for adults, as well as required training initiatives. We want to listen to the needs of this community and we will work with residents to increase the value of this centre to O’ Loughlin Court.”
O’ Loughlin Court is one of Respond!’s oldest estates in Kilkenny and the original community centre opened its doors to residents fourteen years ago. The centre has housed numerous community activities over the years from computer classes to youth clubs and much more. In order to upgrade and modernise the centre, funding was secured from Kilkenny County Council under the social and community facility capital scheme 2007.
“It is also important to thank Kilkenny County Council for their support and funding,” added Ms Barron. “
Following this extensive upgrade, regular computer classes and mother and toddler groups take place in the centre.
If anyone would like additional information on the Centre and its activities, please contact Sarah Barron on 0818 357901 or email info@respond.ie.
