TC/1051

Queen is told of projects designed to build a better community

ONE of the main reasons for the Queen's visit to Omagh Library was to learn about the diverse range of community and educational facilities available.
She met many people who are giving a lead in those fields.
At the outset, the Queen and Prince Philip were met by the Duke of Abercorn, Lord Lieutenant of County Tyrone.
They were then introduced to Captain Robert Lowry, Vice-Lord Lieutenant of County Tyrone; Mr Dominic Pinto, High Sheriff for County Tyrone; Mr Danny McSorley, chief executive of Omagh District Council; Mr Michael McGimpsey, Minister of Culture Arts and Leisure; Mr Bertie Faulkner, chairman of the Western Education and Library Board, Mr Joe Martin, chief executive of the Western Education and Library Board; Mr Walter Rader, head of office, of the New Opportunities Fund, Northern Ireland and Professor Briedge Gadd board member.
The Queen and Prince Philip, accompanied by Professor Breige Gadd and Mr Rader, began their tour of the library by meeting representatives from various project groups throughout Northern Ireland who have received grant aid from the New Opportunities Fund established in 1998 to make grants to education, health and environmental projects.
Welcoming the visitors to the library headquarters, chairman of the Western Education and Library Board, Mr Bertie Faulkner, said: "I am pleased that the Royal visitors took the opportunity to view the excellent facilities and services provided by the library Service in Omagh.
"Omagh Library was opened 10 years ago as part of the Board's policy of providing facilities which meet the needs of local communities through the provision of meeting rooms, event and exhibition facilities as well as a modern and well equipped library service."
A number of lifelong learning projects funded by the New Opportunities Fund were presented to the visitors.
The WELB is a lead partner in one of the projects, 'Libraries without Walls'.
Operating in the Strabane District Council area, the project provides people with the necessary skills and confidence to use ICT to access information and for other purposes.
Commenting on the visit, Head of Libraries and Information at the Western Education and Library Board, Mrs Helen Osborn, said: "It is good that such high profile figures have taken the time to come and see, at first hand, the wonderful facilities we have and the service we provide. Today's event has also cemented our partnership with Omagh 2010, NOF and the other partners involved in the 'Libraries Without Walls' project."
Among the people she was introduced to were members of the Strabane Outreach project, Cookstown and Western Shores Area Network and Magherafelt Women's Group.
Speaking about the visit, Miss Alice Higgins, chairperson of the Strabane and District Community Education Forum and principal of the North West College in Strabane, said: "To have the Queen come along and really acknowledge what we have done in the IT sector is really empowering people in Strabane as it validates what they are doing as something worthwhile."
Delighted
Before the visit, Professor Gadd said: "I think her visit to Omagh is excellent and I am delighted that the queen is looking at some of the projects funded by the New Opportunities Fund Northern Ireland as we are very proud of them.
"A particular aspect of interest on display is the marrying together of modern technology with opportunities with women to get back to learning.
"In total £7 million has been invested into I.T and that is specifically about helping adults who might not use education to pick up and learn new skills.
"Money has also gone into childcare facilities to encourage them to go off and use computers. It is a huge boost to self-esteem even if they do not get a job, however many of them do go back into work.
"Overall £20m has been put into a variety of projects within the year and a £33m programme has been announced to last over the next three to five years in Physical education and sporting skills."
The Royal Couple were also told about some of the plans to revitalise Omagh in the coming years.
The Secretary of State, Dr John Reid introduced Mr Perry McDonnell, chairman and Mr Patrick Bogues, vice chairman of the Omagh 2010 Taskforce and the chief executive, Mr Shane Campbell.
The royal couple were given a short presentation on the Omagh 2010 Vision, an economic and infrastructural plan for Omagh.
The Omagh 2010 Vision for Omagh Town Centre was launched in November 2000 and all sectors including the business sector, community sector. District Council and Central Government have been actively involved in its implementation.
Challenges
It is an economic and infrastructural plan for the town of Omagh, which examines the opportunities and challenges facing the town over the next decade.
Explaining the overall strategy to the Queen, Mr McDonnell said: "We were delighted to be given the opportunity to present the work that has gone into developing this ambitious Vision and Strategy. The Taskforce is a true partnership approach, which is working to drive the implementation of the Vision/Strategy for the good of the entire town centre. A lot of progress has been made over the past 18 months in promoting Omagh and the Vision, implementing key projects and actions and the future for Omagh now looks very encouraging."
Throughout the presentation the Queen showed a growing interest and in turn said that an atrocity such as the Omagh bombing was something that would take a bit of time to get over.
Exhibition
As the royals made their way around the branch library. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh also viewed a jubilee display exhibition prepared by the library service.
The displays included photographs of the first official state visit to Northern Ireland in July 10 1953 and of His Royal Highness with Commander Crichton on board the Blue Bottle, the yacht that was presented to the Queen and the Duke as a wedding present.
And among the display was a copy of the original programme of events from their last visit to the province.
The couple then signed the visitors' book and met with a number of library staff before proceeding outside to meet some of the members of the Omagh choir.