The doors are open on Dublin 4’s new Citizens Information Centre located in the Community Centre on Thorncastle Street, Ringsend. It is a free, confidential information, advice and advocacy service for locals on a range of topics, including housing, taxation, SWF and disability to name but a few.
NewsFour caught up with information officer, Maeve Wallace, who was getting set up for her first day in this particular outreach centre. “I have over 10 years experience with the Citizens Information Service, (CIS) and enjoy being able to help people with the relevant information.”
Liz Carroll, who is the development manager for Dublin 2,4,6 CIS, recently ran a number of public meetings and a poll through NewsFour media, which found that an information centre, would be welcomed by the community. There will be general advice in the drop-in centre from Monday to Wednesday 9.30am – 12.30pm, 2.00pm – 4.00pm, when an information officer will be available to give confidential and impartial advice as well as Friday morning 9.30am to 12.30pm.
In addition to this, MABS will have an outreach worker in the centre every Thursday morning between 9.30am and 12.30pm with information on debt management and effective budgeting. Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC) will hold two separate clinics. Their Monday evening clinic is for general law and on Thursday evenings they will provide advice on family law, both by appointment only between 7.00pm and 9.00pm.
“It is our intention to grow the service by including tenancy advice and employment rights information as part of what is already on offer as well as having someone from CAVA here to advise self-employed persons on taxation and related issues,” said Wallace.
Citizens Information Centres have proven to be valuable support structures within communities. They will also advocate on behalf of clients who are lodging SWF appeals to the level that they themselves require. As Wallace said, “There is no query too small.”
The CIC has its own entrance via stairs beside the crèche and can also be accessed by lift to the rear of the reception area.
For more information or to make an appointment for any of the specialist services, call 0761 078 480 (local rates).
By Maria Shields O’Kelly
