Joy as Palmerstown Parish Centre reopens

PALMERSTOWN Parish Centre recently celebrated the official reopening of their centre following an unexpected crisis.

At the beginning of 2018 it became apparent that the fire alarm system, emergency lighting and fire safety in general did not meet the required standards for a building used by the public. The centre was faced with the reality that if these issues were not resolved, Palmerstown Parish Centre would have to close, which would have had a devastating effect on their community.

The cost of bringing the premises up to the required standards was far beyond the resources of the parish.

The Parish Hall within the centre dates back to circa 1870 and was originally a primary school.

Palmerstown Parish Centre is an integral part of Palmerstown village offering much needed social support to the community so it was a relief when it finally emerged that it could reopen.

The following groups currently operate out of the centre – Palmerstown Day Care Centre which provides meals for elderly people within the community. It offers clients the option to come into the Dining Room to have their meals or a Meals on Wheels delivery service (delivering approximately 500 meals a week).

This is a volunteer-based organisation. Palmerstown Active Retirement Association offers social contact for the retired members within the community.

It conducts activities five days a week, including ballroom dancing, indoor bowls, exercise classes, a choir and art classes. AA conduct two meetings a week. Other groups using the centre include Palmerstown Boxing Youth Club, Naíonra Thír Na nÓg, Yvonne’s Montessori School, and Palmerstown Camera Club.