An extension to the Presbyterian Youth Centre in Lucan, Co Dublin, which was opened this week, marks another major advance in the widely-praised work of Nexus Ireland, a peace and reconciliation initiative set up by the Presbyterian Church in 1987.
Since then thousands of young people, both Catholic and Protestant, from North and South, have been to the centre. Mr Ian Scott, director of the centre, has described the Nexus Ireland project as "a bold, fresh approach to peace-making, working to achieve cross-Border, cross-community reconciliation". The centre "attempts to change age-old fears and misconceptions and provides a forum for the churched and unchurched to communicate freely and to learn the principles of lasting peace," he said.
At this week's opening ceremony the President, Mrs McAleese, said she wished to commend the great work done at the centre "in creating an environment where people can come together confident in their own identity, yet willing to enter into partnerships with others to achieve shared goals and strive for progress".
The Lucan Centre's success has been recognised by both the Irish and British governments, which have provided financial assistance, as has the EU, the International Fund for Ireland, and business people.
The opening was also attended by the Presbyterian Moderator, the Rev Dr Sam Hutchinson, the British ambassador, Mrs Veronica Sutherland, and the Rev Dr Trevor Morrow, chairman of Nexus Ireland.
