The Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl, this week launched the ‘Ceann
Comhairle Project for Africa’ project, a special fund which aims to
raise an initial €50,000 for Trócaire to tackle drought and urgent need
in northern Ethiopia.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Ó Fearghaíl said “It is my hope that this
initiative will continue and expand under future holders of the office
of Ceann Comhairle.”
RTÉ broadcaster Mary Kennedy officially launched the project at
Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre in Newbridge, Co. Kildare and urged
local businesses to support the fund.
It is hoped that the fund will allow Trócaire to bring support to
7,000 people in drought-affected areas of Ethiopia. Mr Ó Fearghaíl said
“I have seen for myself the devastating effects on millions of people
facing extreme food shortages in communities vulnerable to drought and
so, as sponsor of this project, I am pleased to launch this new and
innovative ‘Ceann Comhairle Project for Africa’.”
He described how, through charitable donations, “this project aims to
put in place a long-term response to the impact of climate change on
vulnerable communities in the Enderta District in Tigray, northern
Ethiopia. People there simply do not have enough food to live and it is
hoped that this project will directly benefit 1,200 families, or 7,000
individuals. It is about introducing sustainability for the most
vulnerable communities in Ethiopia through building irrigation systems
that will ensure that farmers have at least the minimum amount of water
to grow and harvest crops.”
Sean Farrell of Trócaire said: “There are currently over nine million
people in Ethiopia facing food shortages due to drought. The Ceann
Comhairle Project for Africa fund will greatly help us to build
irrigation and supports that can ensure that people do not face this
situation again. We are delighted that the Ceann Comhairle has chosen to
work with Trócaire on this very special project and would like to thank
everybody who has expressed an interest in supporting this initiative.”
The Ethiopian Ambassador to Ireland, Lela-alem Gebreyohannes Tedla,
expressed her gratitude for this project and she pointed out the huge
strides that had been made in Ethiopia in recent decades.
To support the
Ceann Comhairle Project for Africa fund, email sinead.christian@trocaire.org.