'02
In 2002, the office space in the Aistear became the location for the administration of the Mountshannon Community Council FÁS Community Employment Programme. It was also the main office of InisCealtra Community Development Ltd. The opening of the office was the first step to developing the Aistear administrative centre as a resource within the community. At that stage the toilets had been completed and work had also commenced on the workshop space.
Originally the intention of InisCealtra Community Development Ltd. was to organise workshops, exhibitions and training, etc., where an income would be generated to pay for the electricity involved in the heating and lighting of the office and workshop space as well as the external lighting and the annual insurance costs of the park. The upkeep, development and maintenance of the office and park continued to be completed under the Mountshannon Community Council FÁS/CEP as part of their work programme.
Classes in meditation, relaxation, yoga, as well as transformational and energy work became a regular feature of the Aistear. The workshop area became the main exhibition area for the annual Iniscealtra Festival of Arts. Each year, interest in the Aistear increased and more and more groups sought to use the grounds and workshop for various uses.
The workshop space, maze, labyrinth and recreational areas became a social resource within the community. It is not only used by people on a daily basis, it has become the centre point in the village for group activities, open air concerts, Fair Days and many other activities.
The office grew as a resource from within which general information on the locality was distributed. This included postcards, brochures, advertising and the Community Newsletter. This was produced on a monthly basis, bringing up-to-date news and reports related to community life. Work relating to the Community Council and the Company was carried out from there. Tidy Towns’ submissions, business plans, surveys etc. were computerised and files relating to both groups stored in the one area.
While initially there was one second-hand computer that was used for all research and secretarial purposes, the aim was to equip the centre with up-to-date computer equipment for the community. This would also help to generate income for the Company as well as produce brochures and literature for visitors and tourists to the park and the area in general.
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