By Dan Walsh
Gorey Family Resource Centre has re-opened at its new premises in McDermott Street and the formal ceremony was recently performed by Minister James Browne and Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, Cllr Pip Breen.
When news broke that their former premises in Charlotte Row was to put on the market, District Manager, Philip Knight and Emer Hickey, Family Resource Centre Manager, recalled meeting in the kitchen of the old Family Resource Centre to discuss the future. “It was frustrating, I could see that fantastic work was being done by these amazing people,” said Mr Knight, who added: “Fortunately, Director of Service, Liz Hore came on board and really championed this project from a Council perspective.”
Emer Hickey had found a suitable building in the form of the old Credit Union building and she and the Board took the bold decision to purchase the property with financial support from Tusla, the Department of Rural and Community Development (under the Buildings at Risk and Community Recognition), the support of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District and Wexford County Council and the property has been purchased outright and renovated to provide a much needed community facility in Gorey’s town centre.
Emer Hickey thanked all those who had supported the Family Resource Centre in getting to this stage, TUSLA, Wexford County Council, Tom Fortune and Altura Credit Union, and praised for her co-workers and volunteers who had kept services going throughout the renovation process.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen said: “This is a fantastic resource for the people of Gorey and I would like to pay tribute to those who work here to provide a much needed service to the community.” He continued to thank his fellow elected members for the commitment and support they had given to the project.
Minister James Browne reflected on his early meetings with Emer Hickey and her team in his speech. He thanked Minister Heather Humphreys for her continued support of community projects noting that she “had been a good friend to Co. Wexford.”
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