Minister James Browne visits Cooley Peninsula

A stop-off at the Youth Hub and Café in Carlingford’s Foy Centre was part of Minister of State, Malcolm Browne’s itinerary on his recent visit to Cooley. He also visited Ruby Ellen’s Tea Rooms, the Garda station, and while in Omeath, the Dolmen Centre.

The Minister, who is attached to the Department of Justice, was greeted on his arrival by Senator Erin McGreehan, who facilitated the visit. Among those present in Omeath was Olympic bronze medalist, boxer Aidan Walsh.

Sen McGreehan was anxious that the Minister visit the Youth Hub and Café. It was recently opened to create a meeting place for young people of the area. It provides a safe and inclusive place for them to socialise, explore their interests and have fun.

The Senator said she wanted the different government departments to understand the needs of rural and small towns. Without this funding for projects won’t come.

“The Minister’s visit reinforces my commitment to nurture young talent, address challenges they might face, and above all ensure their voices are heard and valued,” she said.

The Minister was anxious to visit the local garda station, where he was greeted by Sergeant John Brady and Garda Fergal Battrim. He was told of the issues of policing in a busy border town and the resources that are required.

Minister Browne commended the local force’s dedication and their work in the area with young people, encouraging positive relations. He was interested in hearing what the Gardaí’s priorities and strategies were to enhance community efforts.

Just like Napoleon’s army, people can’t travel on empty stomachs. Before leaving Carlingford, the visiting party stopped off at Ruby Ellen’s Tea Rooms rooms, where there was a greeting from owner, Donna McGuigan. More than the warm welcome, they sat down to some treats in beautiful surroundings.

Young people where again to the fore as the Minister continued on to Omeath. His meeting in the Dolmen Centre was with those attending a weeklong Border Summer Splash Youth Initiative for children from Omearh and Warrenpoint.

It’s being run as a partnership of the Newry & Mourne District Council, the Education Authority and Omeath Development CLG- Steering & Sparring Youth programme, and is funded by the department of Justice’s Community Safety Innovation.

This allows for funds, accessed from those apprehended for their involvement in crime, to be directed into community projects, in particular those centred on safety.

Aidan Walsh was one of the speakers. He told of how boxing had instilled in him the importance of humility, respect, and being “a decent person”. His passion for the sport had given him the opportunity to represent Ireland. “Sport” he said, “had kept him on the right path.”

His interest in youth was to try to encourage them to be involved in a sport of their choice. “It was boxing for me, but it doesn’t have to be that for everyone. There are many choices they can make.”

Minister Browne congratulated the programme facilitators and the young people who were part of it. He was, he said, very impressed with how the community safety innovation fund was being put to great effect in Louth, and he looked forward to continued positive engagement.

Speaking since the visit, Senator McGreehan said that it had served as a platform for dialogue and collaboration between the Ministry of Justice, local community leaders and residents. People were able to express their thoughts, concerns and hopes for the future of Carlingford, Omeath and the entire Cooley Peninsula.

“It was a worthwhile visit, and it is my hope that there’ll be many more like it,” she added.