Resident voluntary groups face eviction

IT was incredible that a charity centre for 45 voluntary groups, opened a month before the elections by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, was now declaring that it had to close, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs said yesterday.

The Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups in Dublin says its resident groups are facing eviction next month because the Department is refusing to pay €150,000 a year to keep it open.

The centre, the first, largest and busiest share facility for charities in Ireland is home to vitally important organisations, including groups supporting people with severe neurological conditions and children’s health projects.