President Mary McAleese and Dr. Martin McAleese meeting musicians, Jim Woods, Noel Moone, Philip Porter and Keenan Barrett at the opening of the Tullyarvan Mill Project in Buncrana

President Mary McAleese was in Donegal yesterday for the official opening of the Tullyarvan Mill Project, a community, cultural and hostel centre in Inishowen, Co.Donegal, which has been funded primarily by the International Fund for Ireland (IFI). The Mill provides a hub of activity for the local community with facilities for the arts and conferencing as well as an auditorium, a 52 bed hostel and a restaurant.

In 2004, the IFI, under its Border Towns and Villages Programme, awarded funding of EUR558,000 towards the project, with other funders of the project including the PEACE II Programme, the Department of Health and Children, and FÁS.

During her visit President McAleese was taken on a tour of the building and unveiled a plaque to mark the official opening. During her speech, the President thanked those who had the vision to establish such a wonderful resource for the community, one which provides cultural tourism and enterprise benefits to the people of Buncrana.

The President said that those who care for the project do so on a voluntary basis, with no reward other than providing a service to the community. The President praised the amazing facilities and showed her appreciation by meeting many of the community groups who are involved with the project.

Winston Patterson, Board Member of the International Fund for Ireland, said: “It is wonderful to be here at the official opening of Tullyarvan Mill. The International Fund for Ireland has been delighted to support this development since 2004 under our Border Towns and Villages programme.”

Mr. Patterson also noted how the IFI’s contribution to the Tullyarvan Mill project had only been possible because of support from the Fund’s international donors: the US, EU, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Gerard Doyle, Chairman of Tullyarvan Mill remarked: “The Tullyarvan Mill Project is delighted and honoured to have President Mary McAleese officially opening our Tourism Hostel, Auditorium, Enterprise Units, and Community Gardens. We would like to thank everyone who has contributed in any way to the project. It is a fantastic day for us and for Inishowen."

The International Fund for Ireland’s Border Towns and Villages Programme was created to enhance economic and social regeneration and cross-border co-operation by bringing together communities around the development of a core economic project for their town or village.

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