AIB Makes New Minibus Possible for the Beara Youth Development Project

Pictured above: Niall Wright,FSKD Ireland (driver),  Norma O'Regan, Manager AIB C.T.Bere & Gwen O'Donovan, Foróige Youth Development Officer

There was great news today for the Beara Youth Development Project in West Cork.  Under the AIB Better Ireland Programme, the Project received a brand new Ford Transit minibus, fited with seatbelts throughout.  The bus will facilitate outings as part of youth development in the Beara area.

The Beara Youth Development Project was set up on September 200.  It is funded by the Department of Education and County Cork Vocational Education Committee and managed by Foróige, the National Youth Development Organisation.  The purpose of the Beara YPD is to enable young people on the Peninsula and Bere Island to involve themselves consciously and actively in their own development and in the development of the community.  The Project runs programmes for 10-18 year old boys and girls.  The project operates in partnership with the Beara Community School, the National School, numerous volunteers and serves the small rural communities on the Peninsula and Bere Island.

The Project runs a Creative Art Group, a Basketball Group, a Soccer Group, a 1st Year Group, a Substance Misuse Programme, a Transition Programme, Summer Programmes and various other groups with young people.  Support is also given to voluntary led youth groups and Clubs on the Peninsula and Bere Island.

Gwen O'Donoval, Youth Officer of the Beara Youth Development Project says  "we are delighted with the new Better Ireland Minibus as it will enable us provide transport home for those living in the rural areas.  It will also open up opportunities to provide outings and day trips for the young people of Beara.  We hope that every young person in Beara will avail of this new bus"

With the support of AIB, the Project will be in the position to drive young people home safely after attending their after school programmes.

Following extensive research, the AIB Better Ireland Programme is committed to tackling social issues affecting children under 18 years.  The programme aims to make significant difference in the lives of these children by addressing specific areas namely:

• children affected by drug/alcohol abuse

• lack of children's education and development through social isolation and poverty

• homeless children.

Norma O'Regan, AIB Castletownbere comments "The AIB Better Ireland Programme is all about groups like the Beara Youth Development Project who work actively in the community facilitating sports, social groups and personal development.  In the Beara Peninsula, transport was a particular issue for youth groups and children generally.  The AIB Minibus should help the youth to involve themselves consciously and actively in their own development and in the development of the community."

Further details of the AIB Better Ireland Programme, the causes being addresses and details on how to apply for funding can be obtained by contacting your local AIB Brance or visit the website www.aib.ie/betterireland

Picture includes staff of AIB C.T.Bere, Austin Manning & J.J.McLaughlin, Beara Community School, Deirdre Keohane, Creative Art Group Leader, Frank Conroy, Kayaking & Sailing Leader, Niall Wright, Karate Leader, some young people from the Beara Area (in the bus) with Gwen and Norma O'Regan