Press Release 29th January 2010
Increase in Volunteers in Clondalkin and Lucan has positive impact on local communities - Curran
The number of volunteers in Clondalkin and Lucan almost doubled last year, according to Minister for Community Affairs and local Fianna Fáil T.D. John Curran.
“In these challenging economic times it is very encouraging to hear that people are giving up their valuable time to volunteer and help out in their communities.
“To give an indication of trends – the overall number of volunteers registered county-wide in South Dublin in 2008 was 900. In 2009, the total was 1693.Of that 1693, 1096 followed up with the Volunteer Bureau and were assigned tasks in their local communities.
“There are currently 140 registered volunteers in Clondalkin and 144 registered in Lucan, Palmerstown and Adamstown with 5 registered in Newcastle.
“In 2009 the number of volunteers registering at the network of Volunteer Centres nationwide increased by over 100%, underlining the valuable role being played by Volunteer Centres nationwide. In these challenging times it is important that dynamic individuals are given the opportunity to make a difference within their communities. The giving of time for others strengthens the fabric of our societies and defines the communities in which we live.
“As Minister for Community Affairs I allocated €170,000 in funding for South Dublin County as part of a funding package of €3.4 million in 2010 to promote volunteering in local communities across the country.
“I am sure this funding will build on the good work that has already taken place in the area. If anyone is keen to take up volunteering in their local community please contact South Dublin County Volunteer Centre at 01 4628558 or go to www.volunteersouthdublin.ie or www.volunteer.ie for further information on volunteering across Ireland”, concluded Minister Curran