Sir, – I am writing to bring to your attention the distressing fact that the Glencree Peace and Reconciliation Centre is closing its accommodation and conference facilities from July onwards, due to lack of funds (the offices and restaurant will, however, remain open and the centre will continue to run programmes off-site).
The centre was opened in 1974 as a response to the conflict in Irish society, in particular the horrific bombing in Belfast in 1972. Individuals and peace groups had recognised that reconciliation was the key and what was needed was a common base from which to spearhead an effective and non-violent approach to the urgent issues both North and South.
Since its founding, Glencree has hosted many political groups, school groups, women’s groups and people from Ireland and other countries suffering from conflict of many kinds. In the troubled years in the North of Ireland many came for “conflict resolution” programmes; and only recently a group of 30 Afghan leaders travelled to Glencree to experience this programme.
This May, President Mary McAleese hosted a group from Glencree Centre. Also this year the Glencree Annual Peace Awards for personal courage and leadership were presented to the North’s First Minister Peter Robinson and the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.
How is it that a centre, which is so highly regarded for its work of reconciliation that the Prince of Wales should make it his business to visit it, yet we, the Irish people, are prepared to see its accommodation and conference facilities close? Is this yet another example of Government neglect and lack of foresight? – Yours, etc,