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 | | Friday, 7 December, 2001, 07:08 GMT Irish president opens travellers' centre  Travellers face difficulties in accessing services A community centre built to help the travelling community develop their lives in Londonderry has been opened by Irish President Mary McAleese. The Derry Travellers Centre, which was opened on Thursday evening, is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. The project's co-ordinators hope it will act as a catalyst for the development of the traveller community. It was started in temporary premises 11 years ago.
She said: "The message which the building sends out is that there is a change in thinking - it is a change in attitudes and culture. "But it also says to the travelling community - you are a respected and talented part of Irish life." Northern Ireland Education Minister Martin McGuinness also attended the launch. While in Derry, Mrs McAleese also officially opened the Long Tower Youth and Community Centre in the Brandywell area. The facilities include refurbished and newly built accommodation for the Long Tower Youth Club, as well as nursery and community facilities. The project received a �111,000 grant from the Department of Education, in addition to funding from the Department of Social Development, National Lotteries Charity Board and Derry City Council. | | See also:  Top Northern Ireland stories now:  Links to more Northern Ireland stories are at the foot of the page. | |||||||||||||||||||
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