PRESS RELEASE

15 February 2007

An Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern, TD, visits the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation, Co. Wicklow

An Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern, TD, and Minister Dick Roche, TD, are visiting the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation on the 15th of February 2007.

This visit recognises the extensive support given by the Irish government to the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation.  The Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Culture and the Department of Foreign Affairs all support the peacebuilding work implemented by the Glencree Centre, as well as the community facility that is the Glencree Visitor Centre.

The Glencree Visitor Centre, a subsidiary of the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation, serves as a community facility, creating jobs locally.  Fifty three people work at Glencree, sixteen of those via government employment schemes.  In March, the Armoury, Café, Restaurant and Craft Shop will be officially opened by Minister Tom Parlon.  The historical site already attracts coach tours, tourists, walkers, visitors, students of peacemaking and local residents to its exhibition centre and café. 

The Taoiseach continues to be a supporter of Glencree’s work as part of his own commitment to the peace process in Ireland, North and South.

The Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation is a non profit organisation founded in 1974 in response to violent conflict.  It is committed to peacebuilding and reconciliation within and between communities and is funded by government, the European Union, private individuals, the International Fund for Ireland, and businesses.