THE ADAGE 'many hands make light work' is one that springs to mind when considering the newly developed Belmullet Civic Centre. The €7million price tag may seem colossal for one community to bear but with the combined effort of Mayo County Council, Údaras na Gaeltachta, the Belmullet Arts Group and the Courts Service, it was achieved. The donation of the town park by the Trustees in December 2002 and the mammoth fundraising efforts of the local community copper-fastened the deal. In just a handful of years, an entire locality and its agencies joined forces to create an enviable facility that will serve generations to come.

It is a combined effort that Cathoirleach Gerry Coyle described as a "jigsaw" as he officially opened Mayo County Council's sector of the centre.

"Unless you have all the pieces, you can't complete it - there are a lot of people to thank for putting the pieces together including the Trustees, the Arts Group, OPW, Roinn na Gaeltachta and the Courts. The jigsaw is now complete and proves that it is only in working together can we succeed".

Describing it as a wonderful day for Belmullet, he said it is a commitment to rural Ireland.

"Today we are standing in the finished product, a statement of intent. We must support rural Ireland in the same way we would the rest of the country. This facility does that, it is a place for everyone. We're living in a region where there is a 25 mile round trip for petrol in some areas - that is the simple reality of rural life. This centre shows that we are all in this together here."

County Manager Des Mahon echoed his Cathaoirleach's words. "It is an historic day for Belmullet and a proud day for Mayo County Council. We are sitting in the best example of joined-up thinking. This building is about breathing new life into the heart of a community. It is another step in better local government, an example of the power of partnership and a delivery on commitments made by the Council and other agencies," he said. Ultimately, he added, "It is symbolic of the better and brighter future which we are striving to attain."

Ian McAndrew, of the Arts Council which donated over •2 million to the project, paid tribute to the over-whelming support of the local community. Outlining how •18,000 profit was made in one fundraising night alone; he added that 120 people had some forward to give •100 each to sponsor an auditorium seat. "This voluntary group came together adhocly at the beginning and silently, but efficiently got through a ton of work," he said.

Trustees Dr Tom Kelly, John McAndrew and Tom Bohan were present on the day with Dr Kelly paying a memorable tribute to the Director of Services Peter Hynes, whom he referred to as the "midwife of a very robust and overdue offering in this centre!"

Indeed the County Manager and all his officials were thanked for their assistance in making the Belmullet plans a reality and a beckon of hope and inspiration.

A blessing of the centre was carried out by Fr Francis Judge, Fe Kevin Hegarty, Rev Neal O'Raw and Bishop Richard Henderson, immediately prior to the cutting of the tape by An Cathaoirleach Gerry Coyle.

The •7million project was completely designed in-house by Mayo County Council who enlisted the expertise of surveyors, DL Martin and Partners; Patrick McCaul Engineers; Structural Engineers Michael Punch and Partners and Architect Dermot Foley.

Built by Bourke Builders, the complex boasts an auditorium/cinema with 170 retractable seats, recording studio, court room, café, exhibition rooms and offices of the four agencies. Completed within budget, the development also includes a car park, playground and recreational space.

Following a day and night of celebration to mark the centre's opening, as the sun went down along Blacksod Bay on Friday last, a sense of completion filled the air. The sound of children in the playground served as a reminder that this centre will be of use for the generations of today, tomorrow and the distant future.

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