Today was a very special day at The Crann Centre as our accessible Playground & Leisure Area was officially opened by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD.
This has been the outcome of years of consultation with families with neuro-physical disabilities, with experts in the field of inclusive play and months of expert construction. Thank you to all the individuals and businesses who have contributed in so many ways to this project over the past two years.
We especially would like to thank Terry O’Neill and his family and team, and the Buckley Brothers and their families for their time, insight and dedication. Thank you also to Alice Moore and Dr. Helen Lynch of the School of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at University College Cork who have provided a huge amount of guidance and support in developing the space.
The sun mostly did what it was told and those in who joined us got to enjoy the thrills and experiences on offer before speeches from Crann’s Founder Kate Jarvey and An Taoiseach Micheál Martin. It was the closing of a circle of sorts, as An Taoiseach joined us to turn the sod in a much quieter event a year ago. An Taoiseach was joined by Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Anne Rabbitte TD.
An Taoiseach and Minister Rabbitte took the time to hear about the impact of play in the lives of children and their ability to learn and develop in many ways. An Taoiseach was impressed by the pace at which development was made to such a high standard in the year since his last visited.
The team at Crann are thrilled to be able to share this space with our wonderful clients at long last.