A purpose-built centre for Travellers on the outskirts of Derry city has been described as the first of its kind in Ireland.
Located in the Ballyarnett halting site close to the Co Donegal border, a full range of services will be provided, including childcare, educational courses for adults, youth activities and welfare and support services.
Derry Travellers Support Group has been working to get such a facility for years. Ms Winnie O'Grady, who has been working with the group for 10 years, said that in the past young Travellers were not able to take part in activities because they were made to feel uncomfortable in various venues.
"They couldn't use other centres in the city because of prejudice and racist behaviour.
Other teenagers would not mix with them, but would stare at them as if they had three heads and the girls were very uncomfortable and embarrassed.
"This centre has made a big difference to them because they can call it their own and they are very proud of it." It was not the intention to keep young Travellers segregated from their settled peers in the long term, but once their confidence and self-esteem had been built up, they would start projects with the settled community.
"But then they will be able to bring settled people into their centre - the shoe will be on the other foot," she said.
Travellers who will use the facility were involved from the design stage. It includes a laundry and the foyer is dominated by a giant sculpture of Pegasus made by young Traveller men as part of a course they did in traditional crafts. Parts of the sculpture are made from an old copper boiler.
A range of courses will be offered including personal development, information technology and certified courses in childcare so that Traveller women can run the centre's creche.
Although it has been in use for some months, it was officially opened last week by the President, Mrs McAleese, who said a strong and resilient civic society could not afford to waste any of its God-given talent. "Each man, woman, boy or girl, regardless of culture, race, religion or tradition, is a part of the rich tapestry of life on this island," Mrs McAleese said.