We would like to welcome our new parishioners, who moved into the Respond Housing.

Official welcoming function was held in the Community Centre on Thursday 21st Feb. See article and pictures below.

Building Towards self-reliance, in partnership with Local Communities.

It is not every day that 14 new families come to live in a rural community. February 1st 2002 was such a day in Clonberne, when the keys of 14 new Respond houses were handed over to the lucky families, fulfilling another vision in the local community.
The estate, which was built by Cuddy Development Ltd. for the Respond Housing Association, is a beautiful selection of 2-bedroom bungalow and 3-bedroom two storey houses.  It is situated behind the church in a private elevated setting.
About 8 years ago, when times were not so good, Clonberne Community Development set out on a mission to see how the population of the parish could be increased.  Various meetings were attended, groups met, and different types of housing looked at.  It was during this process that the Committee came in contact with Respond. A series of meetings were held and with the help of Marlyn O'Connor and others from Respond the Committee gained a greater knowledge of what the Respond Housing Association was all about. Completed projects were visited and the residents met.  Having investigated all possibilities, it seemed clear to the Committee that Respond was the answer to their needs.
The next step was for the Committee to find a suitable site, which can often be the stumbling block.  However, Canon Sean Blake, a driving force in obtaining the Housing Scheme, was quick to point out a field behind the church.  It was not an obvious site, but in high-insight it was the perfect site.  Terms were agreed, and thanks to Paddy Murray terms were also agreed for an access road to the site.
Next was a site plan, which was drawn up by Respond.  A mixed development of 6 number two bedroom semi-detached bungalows, and 8 number three bedroom two storey semi-detached houses was agreed on by all.  Planning was obtained and the contract put out to tender.  The builders moved in shortly afterwards, and within one year of clearing the site it was fully occupied.
The Committee originally wanted to supply housing for groups that might not appear on housing waiting lists.  Locals who wanted to return to Clonberne were one such group, and these have occupied three houses.  Senior Citizens who might like to return from England etc were also a concern.  This was also achieved with one resident returning from Birmingham after nearly 40 years. Clonberne Community Development would like to thank Respond along with Galway County Council for including their needs in the development.

Clonberne Community Development on behalf of the people of the parish decided to hold a "Get Together" night in the Community Centre to assist the new residents familiarise themselves with the area.  An introduction pack was produced for each household, and all organisations active in the parish were invited to send some members to the function.  The event started with a general address by the chairperson, John Kearney, in which he welcomed the new residents and thanked Respond, Galway County Council, the Committee, and all others who helped achieve the undertaking.  He also thanked the local community for their support in this project, and all the other undertakings of the Committee.
Canon Sean Blake welcomed all, and wished the new parishioners a happy and peaceful time in Clonberne.
Julie Fitzgerald from Respond then explained briefly what her organisations functions are.  She thanked the community for their kindness and help from the first day they came to Clonberne.  She said that the gathering was a great achievement, and it compounded what Respond was set up to establish, "Building Towards self-reliance in partnership with Local Communities".  She confirmed Responds commitment to assisting with community facilities for residents, from which Clonberne Community Development intended to build a Resource Centre beside the Community Centre.

The evening continued with the chairperson introducing members of each organisation.  22 groups were in attendance, and a representative from each gave a brief summary of their activities.
Light refreshments were served and a good evening was had by all. 
 Julie announced the name for the new estate, which was selected by the new tenants in conjunction with Respond ---- "LIOSCEOLBHINN", which means "Fort of sweet music" 

      The following is a summary of what the Respond Housing Association represents:
Respond is a non-profit voluntary Housing Association, a Limited Company, and a Registered Charity.  Originally established in Waterford in 1981 it now operates nationwide with offices in Dublin, Galway and Ballina.  It has constructed more than 50 housing estates representing houses for more than 1500 families, making it the biggest non-profit family housing group in the country.
Respond employs its own in-house Design, Technical and Project Development staff together with Estate Management, Education, Childcare, Finance, Legal and Assessment personnel. Their work is aimed at building vibrant, integrated, self-managed and self-reliant communities.
There are six distinct aspects of Respond's work:
. The provision of houses.
· The provision of Community Facilities for residents.
· The provision of Training and Education in Estate Management for tenants.
· Job creation and Employment opportunities with FAS.
· Training and Consultancy Services.
· Third level Diploma Course in Housing and Community Studies.
Construction Record.
To date, they have built more than 1550 units of accommodation comprising Family Housing, Housing for the Elderly, and Group Homes for people with disabilities. Many of the developments include community and communal facilities providing pre-school and Crèche facilities, Meeting and Activity Rooms, and some have purpose built Day-Care facilities.
Training and Consultancy Services.
The Department of the Environment through Local Authorities, is promoting participation by tenants in the management and maintenance of their own estates with the aim of giving residents more involvement in the running of their environment both built and social.  Respond has been invited by more than 30 local authorities to assist with putting such programmes of tenant participation and/or management in place.  This usually comprises a facilitation and training programme with residents and local authority personnel leading to a negotiated Estate Agreement which can include an agreed work programme and responsibility for some aspects of management and maintenance of the estate.  Respond has also developed an Area Based Training Strategy for local authorities wishing to avail of training in tenant participation in Estate Management.
Diploma in Housing and Community Studies.
Over the past three years Respond has provided a course in Housing and Community Studies to Local Authority personnel, Community Organisations and Workers, Estate Management committees, and Residents Associations.  The course is a recognised academic and professional qualification accredited by the Dublin Institute of Technology, the University of Northumbria in Newcastle and the Chartered Institute of Housing in the U.K.  Information on the course is available from the Dublin Training Centre. 

Clonberne welcomes all.	Function held to welcome all.	Gerry Walsh welcomes Mary Bailey
Joe Daly welcomes the O'Sullivan Family	Nonnie Canny & Mary Lowery welcome Bridie O'Connor	Tom Hussey welcomes Fr. Paddy Healy