During a visit to Belfast today, President McAleese praised the Travellers Education and Development Group.
Speaking at the event on the Springfield Road in Belfast, the President said, "I am delighted to visit this fantastic development which will provide a new focus, a new strength and, I hope, a new impact for the travelling community in West Belfast."
The new travellers' support organisation is an amalgamation of the Belfast Travellers Support Group and Belfast Travellers Education Development Group and aims to address equality and social inclusion issues affecting the travelling community in Belfast.
President McAleese toured the new resource centre which includes a traveller culture exhibition room and IT facilities.
The President also visited the Morning Star Hostel for Homeless Men, attended a cross-community reception in City Hall and commemorated the official opening of the Bar Library and Inn of Court in the High Court Building.