Minister of State for Health Promotion Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, TD, today launched the Building Healthy Offaly project in Kilcormac Community Centre, Offaly.
Congratulating all those involved, Minister Corcoran Kennedy said, “A key theme in Healthy Ireland is focusing on effective ways of empowering people and communities to take responsibility for improving their health. Initiatives like the Building Healthy Offaly project make a valuable contribution to empowering people and building strong communities for health and wellbeing.”
Offaly was one of the first counties in Ireland to become a member of the National Healthy Cities and Counties Network, and was presented with a certificate of accreditation to the Network at its launch in November 2016. The Offaly Building Healthy Communities Group includes representation from:
· Offaly Local Development Company
· Offaly County Council
· Laois Offaly Education Training Board
· Offaly County Childcare Committee
· HSE, Health Promotion and Improvement
· Offaly Sports Partnership
The Group is committed to work in a co-ordinated, planned and sustained manner to make Offaly a healthier place for all to live in.
Brendan O’Loughlin, CEO of Offaly Development Company which supports the Offaly Building Healthy Communities Group, explained that “It is important to take a multi-agency approach to address health issues and promote good health, as the influences on health such as employment, education, environment, transport, and housing are so varied and complex”.
Minister Corcoran Kennedy praised the efforts of the Offaly Building Healthy Communities Group, commenting “This is what Healthy Ireland is all about - empowering and supporting communities and individuals to make healthier lifestyle choices. Local initiatives, like the Building Healthy Offaly project, have a central role to play.”
Encouraging more counties to participate in the National Healthy Cities and Communities Network of Ireland is a key objective on the Healthy Ireland agenda. Minister Corcoran Kennedy concluded, “As a former elected member of the council here in Offaly, I know that Local Authorities and local organisations are uniquely placed to bridge the gap between national policy and local implementation. I see huge potential for them to contribute to building a healthier Ireland and I am confident that by working together we can succeed”.