New group to co-ordinate supports for Cherry Orchard
THE creation of a new group to co-ordinate supports for the Cherry Orchard community will transform community safety, according to a Dublin South Central senator.
On Thursday, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee and Minister of State for Law Reform James Brown announced the Cherry Orchard Implementation Board.
The Board will support local organisations, groups and community activists as they make plans for the community a reality; helping to progress projects and improve safety and wellbeing.
The new Board is also part of a cross-government initiative, led by the Department of the Taoiseach, to examine disadvantaged communities and “how best to intensify interventions” if needed.
Following her attendance at the announcement, Dublin South Central Senator Mary Seery-Kearney (FG) said: “Cherry Orchard is its own distinct community, with its own culture and centre – it is a community without a village centre, services and infrastructure.
“It is often said they have two prisons and only one shop in Cherry Orchard, and even the shop is a converted house.
“Yet throughout the community, there are groups and organisations doing the most exceptional work.”
She added: “This Implementation Board will bring a visibility and focus to coordinate the work being carried out in Cherry Orchard which will amplify and support the asks for the area.
“This community is tight knit and just needs the infrastructure to give it a town centre to make it a really great place to live.
“We did not need another plan; a plan has been developed by the organisations in consultation with the community.
“We needed the Implementation Board which will not bring these fantastic plans to fruition.
“I have had the honour of getting to know the people in the area and seeing first-hand the work they are doing.
“It is our priority in government to ensure that communities like Cherry Orchard are strong, safe and supported communities.”
The creation of the new group comes after ministers met with community representatives, and in response to an incident in Cherry Orchard in September where a Garda car was rammed.
