First Breast Cancer Crusade Pin Goes to An Taoiseach!

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern has added his support to this year’s Avon ARC Breast Cancer Crusade, which has raised €230,000 since it was launched in 1998.  This year’s fundraising will revolve around the sale of a symbolic lapel pin, the first of which was presented to Mr Ahern By Avon’s breast cancer nurse counsellor, Pat Hargadon.

Money raised through the Crusade goes to ARC Cancer Support Centre in Dublin where Pat is based, to fund her work with women suffering from breast cancer.  Accepting the pin, Mr Ahern said: "I am acutely aware of the importance of raising public awareness about breast cancer."

"As part of this government’s extended National Breast Screening Programme, some 130,000 women in the target population of 50-64 years of age will be eligible for screening.  The programme expects to diagnose about 400 cancers a year among this population."

“Four women are diagnosed with breast cancer every day in Ireland”.

"These figures clearly illustrate why the Avon ARC Breast Cancer Crusade is so vital, and so worthy of our support."

The Avon ARC campaign in Ireland is part of Avon’s Worldwide Fund for Women’s Health, which has raised over $250 million since 1992, primarily for education and research into breast cancer.

ARC (Aftercare Research Counselling) Cancer Support Centre is based in Dublin, a voluntary registered charity that offers emotional and educational support to people affected by cancer, and to their families.

Staffed by healthcare professionals and trained volunteers, it offers a holistic approach and complements primary medical treatment with education and psychological support.

Grand Canal Docks Development Takes Off

DDDA’s  Annual Report and Accounts

2002 was a year of significant change for the Docklands Project.  It was a year which saw the effective completion of the 350,000 m2 second phase of the International Financial Services Centre – a project which has dominated the profile of physical development since 1998 when it began, and the material commencement of the Grand Canal Harbour development project on the south side. 

It was the year in which the Docklands North Lotts Area Planning Scheme was approved by the Minister thus opening a new chapter for development on the north side including Spencer Dock.

"The first 5 years of the Docklands Project were all about laying the foundations to deliver against our strategic priorities", said Mr. Lar Bradshaw, Chairman of the DDDA.  "We entered the second five year phase in 2002 on a strong physical foundation with the completion of IFSC I and II; with a good intellectual foundation with the review of the Master Plan; and a sound social and economic foundation in the form of well developed education & training programmes and initiatives which have fostered real bonds with local communities."

Highlights of 2002 included: 

•  Completion of IFSC II which saw the development double in size and provision of much needed mixed use amenities;

•  Opening of the National College of Ireland’s headquarters Docklands campus in September;

•  Progression of conservation and redevelopment of Stack A, the magnificent 19th century warehouse, which is being transformed into a major retail destination, custom house quay – chq;

•  Launch of developments at Grand Canal Docks which is fast becoming one of the most marketable and exciting waterfront schemes in this country;

•  Approval of the Docklands North Lotts planning scheme including Spencer Dock which will bring massive economic benefit to the area;