Tallaght is ‘stronger’ today

MORE than 13,000 children, parents and staff across Tallaght West have benefitted from a €22m investment in prevention and early intervention in the community over the last decade.

Celebrating its 10-year anniversary at Tallaght’s Civic Theatre last week, the Tallaght West-based Childhood Development Initiative (CDI) thanked families and the community for their commitment to better outcomes for children.

They also used the occasion to call on the Government to support continued prevention and early intervention for a further 10 years.

CDI CEO Marian Quinn said Tallaght West was a stronger community today as a result of a comprehensive programme of prevention measures and early interventions, which were co-funded by Government and the Atlantic Philanthropies, between 2007 and 2016. 

 The programmes, which were delivered included parental supports, children’s literacy and numeracy, children’s speech and language, the training of adults and young people in using restorative practices in schools  and strengthening community safety.

 From 2007 to 2016 the outputs delivered in Tallaght West saw 8,200 parents and adults, 3,800 children and 840 staff engaged with, a total of €21.7m invested in the community, and parental support provided to 4,500 families while 820 children benefitted from speech and language therapy.

CDI also published 13 research evaluation reports, 14 policy briefs, three implementation guides and three community eports along with many other evidence based outputs in that time.

Ms Quinn said that during the 10 years CDI, together with many local providers, had engaged with a significant portion of the children and families in Tallaght West, delivering benefits right across the community.

She said that while the work remains ongoing after a series of funding extensions and is resourced up to the middle of 2018, the CDI is calling for a longer tern view and commitment from Government.

 The outcomes of this work were commended by the Minister for Children and Youth Affair,  Katherine Zappone who was instrumental in the original establishment of the Initiative.

 “I am delighted to celebrate 10 years of CDI’s work in Tallaght West,” the minister said.

“This marks a very significant investment by Government and philanthropy, and a continued commitment to prevention and early intervention.

“CDI, along with the other two areas who were funded under the Prevention and Early Intervention Programme, have taken great strides to help us all understand better how to improve outcomes for children and families.”

The minister added: “I am really delighted with all that CDI has achieved in Tallaght West over 10 years.

“It has been, and remains, a model of best practice. It is very important that CDI continues to deliver services locally and can also share what it has learnt with other communities.”

 A special guest at last week’s anniversary event was RTE broadcaster and Tallaght native John Murray.

“I am delighted to recognise the important work happening here in Tallaght and in other communities aimed at improving outcomes for children,” John said.

“It is very clear that what’s happening here has been a real team effort with the involvement of a wide range of organisations, statutory agencies and, very importantly, people living in the community.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to publicly thank them all for their hard work, their focus and their commitment to improving the future for our children.”

 Looking to the future, Ms Quinn said CDI is determined to continue to deliver proven interventions in Tallaght West and is also looking to develop a greater role in sharing what it has learnt with other communities.