Irish Wheelchair Association unveil new state-of-the-art community centre in Waterford City

The Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) celebrated the official opening of their new community centre at Station House in Waterford on Tuesday, January 28. 

The event was attended by Mayor of Waterford, Cllr. Jason Murphy, along with many members and employees of the organisation.

Located in the heart of Waterford city, the new centre will serve as a home for young adults who are part of IWA's School Leaver Service. This strategic location aligns with the organisation's mission of supporting people with disabilities to be part of the community.

The expansion of the community centre will provide IWA with the capacity to grow their services and enable members to participate in more community events. 

The school leaver service has already had a profound impact on the lives of many members, with success stories of increased independence, college attendance, and work experience opportunities.

Liam Saunders, Area Manager for the Irish Wheelchair Association, expressed his excitement for the new centre, stating, "We're delighted the centre is finally open. So much hard work has gone on in the background to make this happen. I would like to thank everyone who has played their part in ensuring this dream has become a reality. I am delighted to hand the building over to our members today."

Waterford Mayor, Cllr Jason Murphy, added, "It's a privilege to be invited here today to officially open IWA's new building. We are extremely proud to have it in Waterford city and can't wait to see how the programme grows to support more people with disabilities in the Waterford area. 

"It is superb to see a vacant building in Waterford City brought back to life and I couldn’t think of a better purpose for the building than home to IWA’s members.

“I got a real sense of warmth and welcome when I walked in this morning. For me, this space is about young people. The Irish Wheelchair Association have a fantastic programme for school leavers and this will allow that programme to expand and bring in more people.

“It's also about allowing people with disability to realise their full potential in life and this community centre allows that in a very dignified space that gives people freedom and access to services in the area. I can't think of a better service to be in this space than this."

IWA’s CEO Ann Marie O’Grady was also in attendance and said: “I am incredibly proud to be here today. People are at the heart of everything we do at IWA and this building is opening today because of our dedicated people who continue to have a vision for the future of our members. This state-of-the-art building will allow our members to grow and access Waterford City.

"What I think is really exciting for the community of Waterford, is bringing a historic building back to life. I love the fact that you have decided to call it ‘Station House’, and hold that historic feel. It's bringing life back to the community.

"This is the culmination of good people coming together, collaborating across statutory, voluntary, community and industry. All of that is how stuff gets done.

“Now we're handing the building over to you. Dream big, don’t let anything get in your way and let's have fun in this building."

IWA members and staff thanked the HSE for the continued support of the School Leaver Programme, along with the landlord of the building and building company Causeway Group for their support of the project.