Press Release April 2010
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Emer Costello has recently launched Dublin City North East Citizens Information Service at Killarney Court, Buckingham Street Upper, Dublin 1. This new service which is located at the end of Sean McDermott St will serve local residents in the Gardiner St, Sherriff St and Summerhill catchment areas.
The newly refurbished premises were made available by the Dublin City Council through open competition to Community and Voluntary Groups. Dublin City Centre CIS and HOPE (Hands on Peer Education) were both successful in this competition. This new service managed by Dublin City Centre Citizens Information Service provides a free and confidential information, advice and advocacy service on civil and social rights and entitlements. Dublin City Centre CIS provides services from two other city locations, O'Connell St and North King St.
The current economic downturn and rising levels of unemployment have led to increased demand for Citizens Information Services. In 2009 Dublin City Centre CIS dealt with almost 67,000 queries in its offices in O'Connell St and North King St. The CIS is independent and impartial and deals with a wide range of issues including social welfare entitlements, employment rights, health services, family matters, education, taxation and immigration. Specialist services will also be provided from the new premises including Free Legal Advice, Russian Information clinics and specialist Consumer advice.
The Lord Mayor also opened another community office for Hands on Peer Education (H.O.P.E). The H.O.P.E. offers support and advice to families affected by drug use in the local community.
"I am delighted to be here today to officially open these two new community office facilities. I know that the services provided by both the Citizens Information Service and H.O.P.E. will offer support, advice and guidance to anyone within the community who wishes to avail of it", said the Lord Mayor.
Pictured: Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Emer Costello with Deirdre Casey, Manager, Dublin City Centre CIS (Centre) with Citizens Information Service staff.
