Participating in your community strengthens neighbourhoods and makes Dublin a better place. This is the message in Dublin City Council’s new Community and Neighbourhood Development Strategy. Lord Mayor Eibhlin Byrne launches the strategy at 12 noon on Thursday 11th December at the Mansion House on Dawson Street.
According to Lord Mayor Byrne, “people are what make our city special. By being involved in their community everybody living in Dublin can play their part in making the city even more special. We hope this strategy will encourage people to join in activities in their neighbourhood so that together we can strengthen our communities and make Dublin a great place to live".
Mary Hanlon, Dublin City Council’s Community Development Officer, says “our strategy responds to the fact that community has changed dramatically over the last 15 years. It will identify people who live in apartments, those who commute and other groups who may experience social isolation. We will build from the bottom up, working with Council services already working in the community, local community groups, sports clubs, volunteers and state agencies working on the ground. What we hope to see when the strategy finishes in 2012 are communities where people have a stronger sense of place and belonging.”
Mary Hanlon also believes that now is a good time to develop communities. “We are experiencing a difficult time with the economy. Community, being a good neighbour, and supporting each other are values that are important at all times but even more so during a recession.”
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Notes to editors:
- You can get a copy of the Community, and Neighbourhood Development Strategy from Dublin City Council’s Community Development Section T. (01) 222 3428
- The strategy will be available for download on dublincity.ie immediately after its launch at noon on 11th December