This story was first published on December 1^st, 2005.

Regeneration?
What About My Generation!
A new model for better outcomes for children and young people in Ballymun

Minister Noel Ahern T.D., Broadcaster and Journalist and mother of five Brenda Power and Mountjoy Governor John Lonergan with the Ballymun Partnership presented a childhood development seminar in the Axis centre Ballymun on Thurs 11th of November 2005. Minister Noel Ahern opened the seminar and launched a report that focuses on the need for cooperation between agencies to promote childhood development. Brenda Power chaired the packed meeting that included speakers from Barnardos, National Childrens Nursery Association, Irish Pre-school & Playgroups Association, D.I.T and the local Ballymun Aisling Project.

Some of the atendees at the meeting.	John Lonergan, Governor Of Mountjoy Prison, Lisa Walsh, DNW childcare Resource Centre, Julia Carmicheal, local councillor, Hugh Greaves, Ballymun Local Drugs task Force, Noel ahern, local Fianna Fail TD, Nirn Coghlan, Childcare Co-ordinator Ballymun Partnership.

The seminar succeeded in highlighting that childcare and child development is everyones business with early and sustained intervention the key to a happy family life and peaceful communities.

"Saving the child should be our no.1 priority and where better to start than serving, protecting, encouraging children and facilitating their growth." - John Lonergan

John Lonergan supported the event by addressing the audience on the topic of what the future may hold for the current and future generations of Ballymun. He spoke with unequalled insight about his experience as a prison governor in Mountjoy prison and about his hopes and fears for the futures of vulnerable children.

2 local children Declan and Robert Fitzpatrick and Minister Noel Ahern	John Lonergan, governor Mountjoy prison: "Saving the child should be our no.1 priority and where better to start than serving, protecting, encouraging children and facilitating their growth".

The idea of a new model was discussed and encouraged a lively debate as the speakers formed a panel which allowed for questions and answers from an audience of representatives from many fields. Government departments, local parents, childminders, community and statutory agencies and other interested parties were represented and participated in the discussion.

For more information contact:
Lisa Walsh
Ballymun Partnership
North Mall
Ballymun shopping Centre
Dublin 11
Tel: 01 582 39522 / 087 623 0196